Constance maintained a show of firmness which she did not feel, but Monica was much moved, and could not repress her tears.
After bidding adieu to Atherton, Sir Richard signified to the boroughreeve that he was ready to attend him, and passed out.
As he did so, the officers took charge of him, and the door was shut.
Constance’s courage then entirely forsook her, and uttering a cry, she sank into a chair. Monica strove to comfort her — but in vain.
“I shall go distracted,” she cried. “I cannot bear the thought that papa should be imprisoned.”
“Make yourself easy on that score, Miss Rawcliffe,” said Atherton. “Imprisoned he shall not be. I will undertake to rescue him.”
“You!” she exclaimed, gazing at him through her streaming eyes. “If you could save him this indignity, I should be for ever beholden to you. But no! — you must not attempt it. The risk is too great.”
“I care not for the risk,” cried Atherton. “I will do it. You shall soon learn that your father is free.”
And he rushed out of the room.
“A brave young man,” cried Monica. “He has all my Jemmy’s spirit. I feel sure he will accomplish what he has undertaken.”
“I hope no harm will befall him,” said Constance.
Shortly afterwards a great disturbance was heard in the market-place, and flying to the windows, they witnessed a very exciting scene.
CHAPTER XII.
THE RESCUE.
The visit of the boroughreeve and constables to the Bull’s Head attracted a considerable crowd to the market-place — it being rumoured that the magistrates were about to arrest an important Jacobite gentleman.
A political arrest at this juncture, when the town was in such an inflamed state, seemed to most persons, whatever their opinions might be, an exceedingly ill-advised step, and the magistrates were much blamed for taking it.
Murmurs were heard, and some manifestations of sympathy with the luckless Jacobite would undoubtedly have been made by the assemblage had they not been kept in awe by the strong body of constables drawn up in front of the inn.
As might be expected, the lower orders predominated in the concourse, but there were some persons of a superior class present, who had been brought thither by curiosity. The crowd momently increased, until the market-place, which was not very spacious, was more than half full, while the disposition to tumult became more apparent as the numbers grew.
At length a large old-fashioned coach was seen to issue from the entrance of the court-yard, and it was at once conjectured that the prisoner was inside the vehicle, from the fact that a constable was seated on the box beside the coachman, while half a dozen officers marched in front, to clear a passage through the throng.
But this could not be accomplished without the liberal use of staves, and the progress of the coach was necessarily slow. Groans, hootings, and angry exclamations arose from the crowd, but these were directed against the constables and not at the prisoner, who could be seen through the windows of the coach. Sir Richard was recognised by some of the nearest spectators, and his name being called out to those further off, it speedily became known to the whole assemblage, and the noise increased.
At this moment Atherton Legh rushed from the door of the inn and shouted in a loud voice, “A rescue! — a rescue!”
The cry thus raised was echoed by a hundred voices, and in another minute all was confusion.
“A rescue! — a rescue!” resounded on all sides. The coachman tried to extricate himself from the throng, but the heads of the horses being seized, he could not move on.
The constables endeavoured to get near the coach, as well to guard the prisoner as to protect the magistrates, who were inside the roomy vehicle with him.
But Atherton, who was remarkably athletic, snatched a truncheon from one of them, and laying about him vigorously with this weapon, and being supported by the crowd, soon forced his way to the door, and was about to pull it open, when the boroughreeve thrust his head through the window, and called out to him to forbear.
“Beware how you violate the law, young man,” cried Mr. Fielden, in a firm and authoritative voice, that showed he was not daunted. “You must be aware that in constituting yourself the leader of a riotous mob, and attempting to rescue a prisoner, you are committing a very grave offence. Desist, while there is yet time. You are known to me and my brother magistrates.”
“We do not intend you any personal injury, Mr. Fielden — nor do we mean to injure your brother magistrates,” rejoined Atherton, resolutely. “But we are determined to liberate Sir Richard Rawcliffe. Set him free, and there will be an end to the disturbance. You must plainly perceive, sir, that resistance would be useless.”
While this was going on, the band of desperadoes, already alluded to, had hurried back to the market-place, and now came up flourishing their bludgeons, and shouting, “Down with the Presbyterians!” “Down with the Hanoverians!” And some of them even went so far as to add “Down with King George!”
These shouts were echoed by the greater part of the concourse, which had now become very turbulent and excited.
Mr. Fielden called to the constables to keep back the mob, and move on, but the officers were utterly powerless to obey him. If a riot commenced, there was no saying where it would end; so, addressing a final remonstrance to Atherton, which proved as ineffectual as all he had said before, the boroughreeve withdrew from the window.
Atherton then opened the coach door, and told Sir Richard, who had been anxiously watching the course of events, that he was free.
On this the baronet arose, and bade a polite adieu to the magistrates, who made no attempt to prevent his departure.
As Sir Richard came forth and stood for a short space on the step of the carriage, so that he could be seen by all the assemblage, a deafening and triumphant shout arose.
“I thank you, my good friends, for delivering me,” vociferated the baronet. “I have been illegally arrested. I am guilty of no crime. God bless the king!”
“Which king?” cried several voices, amid loud laughter and applause.
“Choose for yourselves!” responded Sir Richard. “You have rendered me a great service; but if you would serve me still more, and also serve the good cause which I represent, you will retire quietly. Bide your time. ‘Twill soon come.”
This short harangue was greeted by a loud cheer, amid which the baronet descended, and shook hands heartily with Atherton, who was standing near him.
“I owe my deliverance to you,” he said; “and be sure I shall ever feel grateful.”
Just then a rush was made towards them by the constables, who were, however, kept back by the crowd.
“Meddle not with us, and we won’t meddle with you,” cried Atherton.
Prudently acting upon the advice, the constables kept quiet.
Every facility for escape was afforded Sir Richard by the concourse. A narrow lane was opened for him, through which he passed, accompanied by Atherton.
Without pausing to consider whither they were going, they hurried on, till they reached Smithy Doer — a narrow street, so designated, and leading from the bottom of the market-place, in the direction of Salford Bridge.
Feeling secure, they then stopped to hold a brief consultation.
“It won’t do for me to return to the inn,” observed Sir Richard. “Nor is it necessary I should return thither. My daughter and her cousin are in no danger, and I shall easily find some means of communicating with them. They will know I am safe.”
“Were I able to do so, I would gladly take a message from you to Miss Rawcliffe, Sir Richard,” said Atherton. “But I am now in as much danger as yourself. I am known to the magistrates, and they will certainly send the officers in search of me.”
“You shall run no more risk on my account,” said Sir Richard. “My daughter is so courageous that she will feel no alarm when she learns I have escaped. You must find a hiding-place till the prince arrives in M
anchester, and then all will be right. If I could procure a horse, I would ride on to Preston. I have a couple of hunters in the stables at the Bull’s Head, but they are useless to me now.”
As he spoke, a young man was seen approaching them, mounted on a strong roadster. Both recognised the horseman, who was no other than Jemmy Dawson, of whom mention has already been made.
A very handsome young fellow was Jemmy Dawson — tall, rather slightly built, but extremely well made, and looking to advantage in the saddle.
On this occasion Jemmy wore a green cloth riding-dress, made in the fashion of the time, with immense cuffs and ample skirts; the coat being laced with silver, and having silver buttons. His cocked hat surmounted a light bob peruke. He had a sword by his side, and carried a riding-whip in his hand.
On descrying Sir Richard, he instantly accelerated his pace, and no sooner learnt how the baronet was circumstanced than he jumped down, and offered him his horse.
Sir Richard unhesitatingly sprang into the saddle which the other had just quitted.
“Here is the whip,” said Jemmy, handing it to him. “But the horse needs neither whip nor spur, as you will find, Sir Richard. He will soon take you to Preston.”
“I hope to bring him back safe and sound, Jemmy,” said the baronet. “But if aught happens, you shall have my favourite hunter in exchange. As soon as the crowd in the market-place has dispersed, go to the Bull’s Head, and let the girls know how well you have mounted me, and whither I am gone.”
Addressing a few parting words to Atherton, he then dashed off, clattering over the stones as he shaped his course towards Salford Bridge.
“I envy you your good fortune, Atherton,” said Jemmy, as they were left together. “The part you have played belonged of right to me, but I should not have performed it half so well. I wish you could go back with me to receive Constance Rawcliffe’s thanks for the service you have rendered her father; but that must not be. Where shall I find you?”
“I know not, for I cannot return to my lodgings. You will hear of me at Tom Syddall’s. He will help me to a hiding-place.”
“Ay, that he will. Our Jacobite barber is the trustiest fellow in Manchester. You will be perfectly safe with him. But take care how you enter his shop. ’Tis not unlikely you may be watched. We must not have another arrest.”
They then separated — Atherton proceeding quickly towards the bridge, not far from which the barber’s shop was situated, while Jemmy Dawson mingled with the crowd in the market-place. The magistrates were gone, but the constables blocked up the approaches to the Bull’s Head. However, they readily allowed him to enter the inn.
CHAPTER XIII.
CONSTANCE MAKES A DISCOVERY.
From the deep bay-windows of the old inn Constance and Monica witnessed all that had occurred, and were both filled with admiration at the gallantry and spirit displayed by Atherton.
Miss Rawcliffe especially was struck by the young man’s courageous deportment as he confronted the boroughreeve, and without reflecting that he was violating the law, saw in him only her father’s deliverer.
“Look, Monica!” she cried. “Has he not a noble expression of countenance? He is taller than any of those around him, and seems able to cope with half a dozen such varlets as have beset him.”
“He has certainly shown himself more than a match for the constables, if you mean to describe them as ‘varlets,’” rejoined Monica.
“They did not dare to lay hands upon him,” cried Constance. “But see, papa is coming out of the coach, and is about to address the assemblage. Let us open the window to hear what he says.”
This was done, and they both waved their handkerchiefs to Sir Richard when he concluded his harangue.
Atherton looked up at the moment, and received a similar greeting. Constance’s eloquent glances and approving smiles more than repaid him for what he had done.
From their position the two damsels could discern all that subsequently took place. They beheld Sir Richard and the gallant youth who had rescued him pass safely through the crowd, and disappear at the lower end of the market-place.
Then feeling satisfied that the fugitives were safe, they retired from the window, nor did they look out again, though the shouting and tumult still continued, till Jemmy Dawson made his appearance. Both were delighted to see him.
“Oh, I am so glad you are come, Jemmy!” cried Monica. “What is going on? I hope there won’t be a riot?”
“Have you seen papa and Mr. Atherton Legh?” asked Constance.
“Yes, I have seen them both; and I am happy to be able to relieve your anxiety respecting Sir Richard. He is out of all danger. By this time I trust he is a mile or two on the road to Preston. I have provided him with a horse.”
“Heaven be thanked!” she exclaimed. “But what of young Atherton Legh? I hope there is no chance of his falling into the hands of the enemy. I should never forgive myself if anything were to happen to him, for I feel that I incited him to this hazardous attempt.”
“No doubt you did, Constance,” observed Monica.
“You need not make yourself uneasy about him,” said Jemmy. “He will easily find a secure retreat till the prince appears.”
There was a moment’s pause, during which the lovers exchanged tender glances, and Constance appeared preoccupied.
“Who is Atherton Legh?” she inquired, at length. “I begin to feel interested about him.”
“I would rather you didn’t ask me the question,” replied Jemmy. “I can’t answer it very readily. However, I will tell you all I know about him.”
And he proceeded to relate such particulars of the young man’s history as the reader is already acquainted with.
Constance listened with great interest.
“It appears, then, from what you say, that he is dependent upon a guardian whom he has never seen, and of whose very name he is ignorant.”
“That is so,” replied Jemmy. “But I am convinced he is a gentleman born.”
“The mystery attaching to his birth does not lessen my interest in him,” said Constance.
“I should be surprised if it did,” observed Monica. “You can give him any rank you please. I am sorry to disturb your romantic ideas respecting him, but you must recollect he has been an apprentice to a Manchester merchant, and has only just served his time.”
“His career now may be wholly changed, and he may never embark in trade,” said Constance. “But if he were to do so I cannot see that he would be degraded, any more than he is degraded by having been an apprentice.”
“Cadets of our best Lancashire and Cheshire families are constantly apprenticed, so there is nothing in that,” remarked Jemmy. “I repeat my conviction that Atherton is a gentleman born. Dr. Byrom is of the same opinion.”
“Dr. Byrom may be influenced by partiality. I fancy he would like the young man as a son-in-law,” said Monica. “Beppy Byrom certainly would not object to the arrangement,” she added, with a significant smile that conveyed a good deal.
“Is Beppy Byrom pretty?” asked Constance.
“Decidedly so — one of the prettiest girls in Manchester,” rejoined Monica.
“And is Mr. Atherton Legh insensible to her attractions?” inquired Constance, as carelessly as she could.
“That I can’t pretend to say,” returned her cousin. “But I should scarcely think he can be so.”
“At all events, he pays her very little attention,” remarked Jemmy.
Constance cast down her magnificent eyes, and her countenance assumed a thoughtful expression that seemed to heighten its beauty.
While she remained thus preoccupied, Monica and her lover moved towards the window and looked out, or appeared to be looking out, for it is highly probable they only saw each other.
Presently Constance arose, and saying she desired to be alone for a few minutes, left them together.
Proceeding to her own chamber, she sat down and began to review as calmly as she could the strange and hurried e
vents of the morning, in which Atherton Legh had played a conspicuous part, and though the rest of the picture presented to her mental gaze appeared somewhat confused, his image rose distinctly before her.
The young man’s singular story, as related by Jemmy Dawson, had greatly stimulated her curiosity, and she indulged in many idle fancies respecting him — such as will flash through a young girl’s brain — sometimes endeavouring to account for the mystery of his birth in one way, sometimes in another, but always feeling sure he was well-born.
“If any one ever proclaimed himself a gentleman by look and manner, it is Atherton Legh,” she thought. “And as to his courage it is indisputable. But I have been thinking only of this young man all the time,” she reflected, with a feeling of self-reproach, “when I ought to have been thinking of papa. I ought to have locked up the packet of important papers that he confided to me before his arrest. I will repair my neglect at once.”
With this resolve she arose, and taking out the packet was about to place it in her writing-case, when a letter fell to the ground.
The letter was partly open, and a name caught her eye that made her start.
The impulse to glance at the contents of the letter was irresistible, and she found, to her infinite surprise, that the communication related to Atherton Legh, and was addressed by a Manchester banker to Sir Richard Rawcliffe, leaving no doubt whatever on her mind that her father was the young man’s mysterious guardian.
In fact, Mr. Marriott, the banker in question, stated that, in compliance with Sir Richard’s order, he had paid a certain sum to Mr. Atherton Legh, and had also delivered the letter enclosed by the baronet to the young man.
Astonishment at the discovery almost took away her breath, and she remained gazing at the letter as if doubting whether she had read it aright, till it dropped from her hands.
“My father Atherton’s guardian!” she exclaimed. “How comes it he has never made the slightest allusion to his ward? Why have I been kept so completely in the dark? Till I came to Manchester last night I had never heard there was such a person as Atherton Legh. Chance seems to have revealed the secret to me. Yet it must have been something more than chance. Otherwise, the letter could never have fallen into my hands at this particular juncture. But what have I discovered? Only that my father is Atherton’s mysterious guardian — nothing respecting the young man’s parentage. That is the real secret which I fear will never be cleared up by my father — even if I venture to question him. Let me reflect. The reason why this young man has been brought up thus must be that he belongs to some old Jacobite family, the chief members of which have been banished. That would account for all. My father corresponds with several important persons who were engaged in the last rebellion, and are now abroad. I need not seek further for an explanation — yet I am not altogether satisfied. I must not breathe a word to Monica of the singular discovery I have made, for the secret, I feel, would not be safe with her. But methinks my father might have trusted me. Till I see him again, my lips shall be sealed — even to Atherton, should I happen to meet him. Doubtless these letters,” she continued, taking up the packet, and examining it, “would afford me full information respecting the young man, but, though strongly tempted, I will read nothing more, without my father’s sanction.”
The Works of William Harrison Ainsworth Page 693
