"I like you, Roger Trevanion," he said. "You are a man after my own heart."
I shrugged1 my shoulders, showing no surprise at his presence, but wondering what was in his mind. "Why?" I asked.
"Because you are a man. It did my soul good to see you beard Otho, and struggle with those fellows. By my faith, I fair itched2 to help you!"
I could see he had something in his mind. If I kept my head cool, and my ears open, I might discover something of importance. I remembered, too, the look he had given his brother as he spoke3 of his feelings towards Mistress Nancy Molesworth, and drew my conclusions accordingly.
"But you struck no blow," I said.
"That would have been fool's work. I dared not go against my own brother before the servants. Indeed, ill as I would have liked it, had you proved too much for them, I should have lent them a helping4 hand."
[Pg 112]
I was silent, wondering what he was driving at.
"I had this meeting in my mind," he continued. "I determined5 to come and see you when Otho was safe asleep."
"You are afraid of Otho," I said, drawing a bow at a venture.
"Who would not be?" he cried savagely6. "Otho is as cunning as the devil. He should have been a priest. He hath all the learning of the family, and can wriggle7 his way like an adder8. Oh, I speak plainly now! I gloried to hear you give him word for word. Even I dare not do so."
I had been summing up the nature of the man as he spoke, and thought I saw whereby I could make him unloose his tongue more freely still.
"I can see he is master here," I said. "All you have to obey every movement of his finger. You seem like children in his hands, or like dogs who have to fetch and carry at his bidding."
"He hath won the confidence of my father," he cried harshly, "and so it is 'Otho this,' and 'Otho that.'"
"While Benet, who is twice as big a man, and twice as handsome, is nobody," I said. "It is Otho who will get Endellion, Otho who will marry Mistress Nancy Molesworth and get Restormel,"—and I laughed in a sneering9 kind of way.
"No,—by the mass, no, if you will help me!"
"I help you!"—this I said in a tone of surprise. All the same, I expected something of this sort.
"I could see you pitied the maid," he went on. "I could see that a man of inches like you thought[Pg 113] it was a shame for a maid such as she to be wedded11 to such a shambling creature as he."
"She should have a man like you," I suggested.
"Ah, you see it!" he cried. "I thought so last night. I said, Here is a man who knows a man!"—and he drew himself up with a sort of mountebank12 bravado13.
"But I am kept out of it," he continued. "She is not allowed to think of me. She is not allowed even to see me. I must not speak to her. It's all Otho, Otho. He must have Endellion, he must have Restormel, and he must have the maid, too."
"And he seems to love her."
"Love her! With the cunning love of a priest. But it is not the love of a man such as I. If she could see me, talk with me, all would be different!"
"You think she would love you?"
"Maidens14 have not been wont15 to say me nay16," he said, strutting17 around as vainly as a peacock.
"But what hath all this to do with me?"
"Ah, yes!" he cried; "I had forgotten. Otho hath embittered18 my father against you. He hath warned all the servants against you. You are to be kept here until Otho is wedded to Nancy."
"And then?"
"I cannot say yet. But if Otho hath his will it will go ill with you. But I have brains and power as well as Otho. I marked you last night, and I know that you, too, love the sight of a man."
I could not help smiling at the fellow's vanity. But I said nothing.
"You refused Otho's conditions last night, and[Pg 114] you are here because of it. Look you, I will get you out of this if you like."
"How?"
"Oh, Otho hath not everything his own way. I have friends as well as he. If you will help me, you shall be free. Is it to be a bargain?"
"How help you?"
"Otho hath ceased to suspect me. He thinks I have given up all thoughts of wedding Nancy, seeing that my father hath willed that he shall wed10 her."
I waited in silence.
"A priest is coming here from Padstow shortly," he went on. "It is intended that Otho and Nancy shall be wedded before he leaves. If you will help me, we will baulk him. I will take her away. I know a parson near Bodmin, and he will wed her to me."
"Whether the maid wills or no?"
"She will be glad enough to wed me, I'll lay to that,"—and again he strutted19 around the room.
"And how will you do this?" I asked.
"Nay, I will not tell you until I get your promise. Give me your word, Roger Trevanion, and I will tell you how you shall get out of this hole; also my plans for taking away the maid Nancy from the marriage altar."
In truth, I felt less inclined to give my promise to Benet than to Otho; but I had become more cautious.
"But why need you my help?" I asked.
"Because,"—he unlocked the door and listened carefully before replying; then, after locking it[Pg 115] again, came back to me, and continued: "Because Otho hath bewitched almost everybody, and because I need such a man as you to carry out my plans."
"But at least you can tell me what you wish me to do?"
"I want you to help me to take her from here, and carry her to Bodmin. After that, I care not."
"But there will be danger," I said. "I must know something more about the matter before I give you my word."
"Nay, I will tell you no more!" he cried angrily.
"And if I refuse?"
He gave no answer, but looked black. Whereupon I bethought me of the usual plan of those who are undecided.
"I must have time to think," I said; "this request of yours hath come upon me suddenly. Come to me to-morrow night at this time and I will give you my answer."
"And in the mean time you are a gentleman?" he queried20.
"I am a prisoner."
"But you will not speak to the serving-men about what hath been spoken in confidence?"
"There is surely no need to ask me such a question," I said.
He looked at me keenly.
"It is well, Roger Trevanion," he said. "I shall look on you as my ally and prepare accordingly. I can trust you, for you are a man, and love men. By the mass, they shall all know that Benet is more than a match for Otho! Good-night, [Pg 116]Trevanion. I am ill pleased that you should have to spend another night in this hole, but it may not be helped. I will have my plans ready by to-morrow night,—and then——"
He strutted towards the door as he spoke, taking the key from his pocket meanwhile.
My heart gave a great leap, for a daring plan came into my mind. I had no time to consider its value, for it required instant action. I determined to put it to the test without delay.
"Wait a moment, Killigrew," I said. "There is just another matter before you go."
He turned around willingly. I could see he was in no haste to depart.
"You are sure our conversation hath not been heard?" I said, looking at him steadily21.
"Do you think I am a fool?" he said vainly. "I went to the door to see that Otho had not ferreted us out. As for the guard, I told him to keep away until I came back."
My heart seemed to be in my mouth, for this fell in exactly with the plan that had been so suddenly born in my mind.
"It is well," I replied. Then I waited a second, measuring Benet with my eye. "You have told me that I am a man after your own heart," I continued presently. "You said you could trust me because I could fight. But it seems I must take you on trust. It is ill undertaking22 a difficult and dangerous piece of work with a man who may be able to do nothing but talk."
His eyes burnt red, a fierce expression flashed across his face.
[Pg 117]
"Do you say that to me—Benet Killigrew?" he said in tones of angry wonder.
"Yes, to you," I replied, still keeping my eyes steadily upon him. I saw the vexation pass away, and in its place came a look of wild joy.
"You want to know if I can fight—whether I have courage?" he cried eagerly.
"Ah!" I cried in the same tone.
"There is one way you can know," he continued. "Try now, will you?"
He had swallowed my bait without a doubt. He had not even guessed the thought in my mind. In his joy at the thought of battle he had snatched as eagerly at my suggestion as a hungry dog snatches at a bone.
"Yes, it will be well," I replied. "You want me to help you in a dangerous business. You may fail me at a dangerous pinch, for aught I know. You might show the white feather."
"Benet Killigrew fail to fight!" he cried in wonder. "Why, let me fetch swords, man. By the mass, I have been longing23 for months to find a man worthy24 of being called a man!"
"We cannot fight with swords," I said. "Even here we should arouse the house. The sound of steel reacheth far."
"With fists, then!" he cried.
"Let's try a hitch25 first; after that we can use fists!"
He grasped my hand with a cry of joy. "I said you were a man after my own heart," he said eagerly. "I love a fight beyond all things. I[Pg 118] have been longing for one,—ay, longing! But there hath been no man who would dare stand before me. I am afraid it will go hard with you, for I can barely govern myself when my blood is up. But I will not hurt you too much, for I love you, Trevanion. I love any man who will dare fight with Benet Killigrew!"
So far I had got my way. In spite of his boasting, I did not wonder at his brother being able to manage him easily. In the business of scheming he would be but a child to Otho. And still I was doubtful. He was as big, if not a bigger, man than myself. Doubtless he knew every trick of a wrestler26 and a fighter. I took note of his great thews and sinews. He carried himself with ease, and his step was springy. Still, I did not see any other means of carrying out my purposes; for although I had determined to try and escape through the window, I had very little hopes of succeeding. I therefore took off my shoes, and threw them into the corner of the room; then I divested27 myself of my coat. Benet growled28 like a dog enjoying a bone as he followed my example.
"I wish we had wrestling shirts," he said with a laugh, and his eyes gleamed with fierce joy. "Had I known, I would have prepared for this."
I did not speak, but held out my hand for him to shake. He gripped me hard, and gave a grunt29 of satisfaction.
"A man's hand!" he said.
I placed my right hand across his shoulders, and caught him firmly; and when I had done this I felt more doubtful than ever as to the result. Benet[Pg 119] Killigrew had not boasted of his strength in vain. The fellow was a giant. I felt his great chest heave. If ever a man felt the joy of battle, it was he. I am sure he forgot everything of his plans, and of our relations to each other, in the gladness of the moment. I knew, too, the moment he placed his hands upon me that he was a wrestler. He heeded30 not the fact that the floor on which we stood was of stone, barely covered with a thin layer of barley31 straw.
He felt my body carefully, but giving away no chance thereby32. He seemed to gloat over the opportunity of testing his own muscles.
"A man's chest!" he grunted33. "By heaven, I love you, Trevanion!"
Then I saw that he was trying for the "loin throw," and prepared myself for his advances. Thus it was when he thought to accomplish his purpose I was ready for him, and for a moment held him at advantage.
"Ah!" he cried, "better and better!"
But I knew that every power I possessed34 would have to be used, for by this time the fierce longing for mastery had come over him. Never did I feel so glad as at that moment that I had been true to the traditions of my race and county. For the Trevanions, although the sport had during the last few years been kept alive by the common people, had always been noted35 as wrestlers, and that in the county which, man to man, could challenge Europe.
While I had the advantage, therefore, I gripped him for a hug. Had he been a weaker man his[Pg 120] ribs36 would have cracked like matches, indeed, had he been able to hold me so, I doubt whether the struggle would have continued a minute longer. But he had caught a deep breath, and I might as well have sought to crush a tree as Benet Killigrew. So I gave up the hug and he laughed like a boy.
"A good try!" he grunted, and then he tested me sorely. My sinews seemed likely to crack, so great was the strain that he put upon them, while the sweat came out over my forehead, and rolled down my face. However I held my ground, and when at length he failed in the cross hitch, I began to have more confidence. Especially did I hope for victory as I heard him mutter savagely, "By Cormoran, he's my match!"
So then I determined to be careful. I hoped that he had lessened37 his power of endurance by the wine-drinking, wild life he had lived. I therefore acted on the defensive38 until I should be able to try the throw I had often practised. Presently I thought his grip less mighty39, but I was not sure, for never in my life had I been held by such a man. Had he been less confident of victory, he would perchance have been a better wrestler, but he did not seem to think that even his muscles must presently give way. So it came about that while he tried a dozen tricks, and put forth40 much strength in so doing, I used what power I had more warily41. At length I thought I saw my chance, and so I prepared for what wrestlers call "the flying mare42." In getting the grip necessary for this throw, I had to face the[Pg 121] danger of placing myself in his power. However, I ventured to do this, for by no other way could I throw him. He saw my move immediately, and took advantage of it, and for a minute I was afraid that all was over with me. Never in my life had I struggled so hard. I saw balls of fire flash before my eyes, while my sinews seemed likely to snap at any moment. His grip grew weaker, however, in spite of his frantic43 struggles. I heard him panting like a mad dog, for I believe he then realised for the first time that I should master him. Then with all the strength of shoulders, back, and loins I used the trick I had intended, and Benet Killigrew, giant though he was, went flying across the room, his head striking the floor with a terrible thud.
For a moment I was afraid I had killed him, but only for a moment; I had seen such throws before, and knew the result. He would lie stunned44 for a few minutes, and then when he came to consciousness he would be dazed for the next half-hour. This was what I hoped for, and for which I had been struggling.
After wiping the sweat from my brow, I seized Benet's jacket and put it on. As luck would have it, the garment fitted me well. Then I took my money from my pockets. Otho had left me this, for which, as you may be sure, I felt thankful.
After this I cast my eyes around me again, for I remembered that Benet had worn his hat when he came to see me. This I put on; so being about his height, and wearing his hat and coat, I fancied I should be able, except in bright light,[Pg 122] to pass myself for him. My sword I gave up hope of getting; but my pistols were in my saddle-bags.
Giving Killigrew a last look, and noting that he was still breathing, I unlocked the door, and in a few seconds later was in the passage outside. The candle which I took with me, although it burnt low, showed me where to go. I therefore groped along the dark pathway, and climbed the steps which led to the entrance hall. Here I saw a man leaning against the wall. I had extinguished my light, and as the hall was dimly lighted the fellow could not see me plainly.
"All right, Maester Benet?" asked the man sleepily.
"Yes," I answered in a whisper, motioning him to be silent. Evidently Benet's actions were not of an orderly nature, for he seemed to take but little notice when I made my way towards the side door, out of which I had gone when I followed Amelia Lanteglos.
Arrived there, however, I was likely to be found out, for the man came after me.
"The kay, Maaster Benet; I shall want the kay if you be goin' out!"
I flung it to him, therefore, and before the fellow came near me was outside the walls of the house. Overjoyed at my success, I drew a deep breath, but I dared not linger. In a few minutes Benet would probably return to consciousness, and would hammer at the prison door which I had locked. I therefore found my way to the courtyard, hoping to reach the stables without [Pg 123]accident, for I determined not to leave Chestnut45 behind me. I had barely crossed the yard when I saw a man. Evidently old Colman Killigrew was afraid of his neighbours, else he would not have his house guarded so carefully.
"Who's that?" asked the man. "Es et Maaster Benet?"
Mimicking46 Benet's voice as well as I was able, I bade him saddle the stranger's horse.
"What stranger?" asked the man.
"He who came two nights ago," I replied, "I want to ride the beggar."
The man gave a laugh, and went to the stables without a word.
"Put on his own saddle," I said, blessing47 Benet for having led his serving-men to obey his strange whims48 without questioning.
The man put a lighted candle in a lanthorn, and began to saddle Chestnut, but in this he found a difficulty. The horse had not been in the habit of obeying any other voice than mine. He snapped at the fellow so viciously, that he left the stall.
"He's a oogly beggar, Maaster. I can't saddle un. He's a booty to look top, but I wudden ride un ef I wos you. I spoase you've locked up the gen'l'man, ain't ee?"
"Stand still, Chestnut," I said in my own voice. The horse recognized me, and gave a joyful49 whinney.
Instantly the fellow suspected me. He saw that I was not his master, and moved towards the door. I was sorry to do it, but it could not be[Pg 124] helped. I struck him a heavy blow and he fell heavily on the ground.
"If you move or make a noise you are a dead man," I said.
"My Gor!" muttered the fellow, "tes the gen'leman hisself."
In a few seconds I saddled Chestnut; then I determined to use him further.
"Come with me," I said.
"Where, sur?" he asked tremblingly.
"Show me the nearest way to the high-road," I said. "If you deceive me, I'll kill you. I want to avoid the lodge50 gates too."
He obeyed me without a word. A few minutes later I was on a cart-track which led in the direction of Endellion village.
"Laive me go back, sur," pleaded the man. "I waan't tell nothin', and they may vind out that I've left the courtyard. Hark, they have vound out!"
I heard men shouting as he spoke.
"Laive me go back, sur," he continued to plead; "this trail do laid to the high-road, you caan't go wrong."
I let him go, for he could be of no further use to me; then I gave Chestnut rein51, and a few minutes later was safe on the high-road.
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1
shrugged
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| vt.耸肩（shrug的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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itched
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| v.发痒( itch的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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helping
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| n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的，辅助的 | |
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determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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savagely
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| adv. 野蛮地，残酷地 | |
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wriggle
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| v./n.蠕动，扭动；蜿蜒 | |
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adder
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| n.蝰蛇；小毒蛇 | |
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sneering
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| 嘲笑的，轻蔑的 | |
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wed
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| v.娶，嫁，与…结婚 | |
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wedded
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| adj.正式结婚的；渴望…的，执著于…的v.嫁，娶，（与…）结婚( wed的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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mountebank
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| n.江湖郎中；骗子 | |
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bravado
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| n.虚张声势，故作勇敢，逞能 | |
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maidens
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| 处女( maiden的名词复数 )； 少女； 未婚女子； （板球运动）未得分的一轮投球 | |
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wont
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| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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strutting
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| 加固，支撑物 | |
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embittered
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| v.使怨恨，激怒( embitter的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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strutted
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| 趾高气扬地走，高视阔步( strut的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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queried
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| v.质疑，对…表示疑问( query的过去式和过去分词 )；询问 | |
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steadily
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undertaking
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longing
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worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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hitch
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| v.免费搭(车旅行)；系住；急提；n.故障；急拉 | |
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wrestler
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| n.摔角选手，扭 | |
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divested
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| v.剥夺( divest的过去式和过去分词 )；脱去（衣服）；2。从…取去…；1。（给某人）脱衣服 | |
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growled
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| v.（动物）发狺狺声， （雷）作隆隆声( growl的过去式和过去分词 )；低声咆哮着说 | |
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grunt
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| v.嘟哝；作呼噜声；n.呼噜声，嘟哝 | |
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heeded
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| v.听某人的劝告，听从( heed的过去式和过去分词 )；变平，使（某物）变平( flatten的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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barley
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| n.大麦，大麦粒 | |
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thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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grunted
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| （猪等）作呼噜声( grunt的过去式和过去分词 )； （指人）发出类似的哼声； 咕哝着说 | |
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possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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noted
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| adj.著名的，知名的 | |
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ribs
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| n.肋骨( rib的名词复数 )；（船或屋顶等的）肋拱；肋骨状的东西；（织物的）凸条花纹 | |
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lessened
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| 减少的，减弱的 | |
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defensive
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| adj.防御的；防卫的；防守的 | |
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mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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warily
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| adv.留心地 | |
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mare
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| n.母马，母驴 | |
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frantic
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| adj.狂乱的，错乱的，激昂的 | |
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44
stunned
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| adj. 震惊的，惊讶的 动词stun的过去式和过去分词 | |
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chestnut
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| n.栗树，栗子 | |
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mimicking
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| v.（尤指为了逗乐而）模仿( mimic的现在分词 )；酷似 | |
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blessing
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| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
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48
WHIMS
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| 虚妄，禅病 | |
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joyful
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| adj.欢乐的，令人欢欣的 | |
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lodge
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| v.临时住宿，寄宿，寄存，容纳；n.传达室，小旅馆 | |
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51
rein
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| n.疆绳，统治，支配；vt.以僵绳控制，统治 | |
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