No man who has not himself endured it can understand the agony to a man of Captain Protheroe's disposition2, of acknowledged helplessness. For he was essentially4 a man of action, strong, capable, alert for every danger, with a ready wit to cope with every obstacle that rose in his path. He had never yet learned the meaning of failure. And now, when life at last offered him the full cup of his desire; when but four bare walls stood between him and a freedom so rich that beside it his past life seemed but an empty waste; now when his whole being clamoured for action, he could do nothing but sit helpless and inactive, while the hours slipped slowly away and the day drew near when the woman he loved must suffer shame and torture with none to support or comfort her. He knew it was useless to struggle against his fate, but his whole soul cried out against submission5. Yet he could do nothing, nothing, but sit rigid6, silent, his hands locked together in the fierce misery of impotent revolt.
Suddenly he stirred, every sense on the alert and listening intently. At the farther end of the shed his fellow prisoners lay silent, their sleeping forms dimly visible in the faint light. Close beside him, where a pile of bales and sacks was heaped against the wall of the shed, he seemed to detect the noise of a key turned gently in a rusty8 lock, followed by the creak of an unused hinge. He waited with bated breath for what should follow. After a pause the hinge creaked again.
Half incredulous, he crept forward to investigate the cause of the unmistakable sounds, and began noiselessly to remove the sacks from that portion of the wall which they concealed9. Two he moved easily, but the third resisted his efforts. In vain he pulled, exerting his strength in an obstinate11 determination to have his way. As he became dimly conscious that the resistance was rather active than passive, it suddenly ceased, and he stumbled backwards12, with the sack in his arms.
Like the full moon on an Autumn evening the fiery13 head and rosy14 countenance15 of Master Robert Wilcox rose slowly into view above the top of the piled bales, and peered cautiously into the shed.
For a moment the two stood staring at one another doubtfully. But as Master Robert slowly perceived the captain's uniform, his jaw16 dropped, and a look of horror and consternation17 crept into his face.
"Good Lord!" he gasped18, and with a sudden swift movement, his head disappeared from view.
But Captain Protheroe was no whit19 behind him in rapidity of thought or action. Quick as lightning his arm darted20 over the sacks, and he grasped firmly the tousled hair of the intruder.
"Hist, you fool!" he whispered. "All's well. I'm one of the prisoners myself. Is it a rescue?"
Slowly the face reappeared and stared doubtfully at the speaker, then having subjected him to a critical survey, and being at length assured by the captain's tone and bearing of his good faith, Master Wilcox heaved a sigh of relief, and rubbed the sweat from his forehead.
"Phew! What an escape," he muttered. "I made sure you were one of those damned sentries22. Yes, 'tis a rescue, but not for you," he continued curtly23.
"Nevertheless, my friend, I purpose to be one of your party," answered Captain Protheroe coolly, "I and a lady who is here with me."
"A lady; what lady is she?"
"What is that to thee?"
"Nought25, only 'tis a lady I am here to aid; Mistress Barbara Winslow."
"What! Even so? Why, well met, friend. 'Tis even she of whom I spake. She is sleeping yonder. I will go bring her and we can slip out quietly without rousing the others."
Robert eyed him half-doubtfully.
"Be speedy then. Every minute is danger, for I know not when the sentries will be round."
"True, there's no time to lose."
The two had carried on their conversation in whispers; the other inmates26 of the shed were undisturbed.
Captain Protheroe now went swiftly to Barbara's side. She was sleeping quietly, her cheek pillowed on her hands. He aroused her gently.
"What is it?" she gasped, in sleepy bewilderment.
"Freedom," he whispered, smiling down at her.
Silently they stole back across the shed, and soon the three stood side by side in the narrow alley27 outside.
"Come!" cried Rob, seizing Barbara's arm eagerly. "There's not a moment to lose. Come!"
But Barbara was now thoroughly28 awake. She drew back quickly.
"But the others!" she exclaimed. "Surely you will not leave them behind. They are to die to-morrow."
Captain Protheroe shook his head.
"Mistress Barbara, the risk is too great."
"Oh, but that is rank cowardice," she exclaimed angrily. "You may do as you choose, sir, I shall——"
He laid a restraining hand upon her arm.
"Captain Protheroe," she exclaimed indignantly, eyeing him haughtily29.
He smiled at her serenely30.
"Yield to reason, Mistress Barbara. You cannot go back."
Barbara turned away angrily, and addressed herself to Rob.
"Cannot you go back?" she asked.
"Not I, madame," was the ready answer. "You are not safe yet."
Barbara sighed, looked at the pair of them contemptuously, and yielded to necessity.
"But you can leave the door open," she urged.
Rob hesitated.
"'Twill be a clue," he muttered, but yielded to her plea. "Now, come, madame, we must wait no longer."
"Where are you going?" she demanded quickly.
"To Master Lane's house," he answered impatiently. "Lady Cicely is there, and——"
But Barbara shook her head obstinately31.
"No," she said, "I will not bring trouble upon them. They are loyal folk, and were I discovered there, 'twould bring misfortune to all. Did Master Lane send you to me?"
"No, madame, he knows nought of the venture as yet, but——"
"Then, indeed, I will not go. I will not endanger them, and Cicely. 'Twould be most cruel."
Rob groaned32 in desperation.
"Lord! These women!" he muttered. "Nay33, madame, trust in me and come at once. We may be discovered any moment."
Barbara turned to Captain Protheroe.
"Whither are you going, sir?" she asked abruptly34.
"I' faith, I cannot say," he answered doubtfully. "But for you, madame, it were certainly wiser to follow this gentleman, if he can bestow35 you safely."
"I will not," she answered resolutely36.
"We'll all swing for it, an we bide37 here parleying much longer," began Rob desperately38.
He broke off abruptly, for even as he spoke39, a window in the wall opposite was flung open, and a man's face peered out into the alley.
Instinctively40 the three drew back into the shadow. But it was too late. The disturbed burgess had seen the three figures, and in an instant he suspected the truth of the situation.
With an exclamation41 his head disappeared from view, and a moment later they heard the bolts of a door round the corner of the building shot back and the man rushed into the street shouting:
"The prisoners are escaping! Look to your prisoners."
Captain Protheroe seized Barbara's hand, and they began to run rapidly down the alley. They heard the sentinels running up the street and shouting. They darted round the corner as their pursuers turned into the alley.
Rob had disappeared.
The alley led into a wider street, parallel to that in which the sentries had been posted, at the main entrance to the shed. Down this the fugitives42 turned, but were met by a knot of men running towards the shouts. Captain Protheroe tightened43 his grip on Barbara's hand, desperately, and ran straight towards them, waving his free arm in the direction of the prison.
"The prisoners!" he shouted. "They are escaping, look to them."
The ruse44 succeeded. The men hesitated a moment, staring doubtfully at his uniform, and then proceeded at a run towards the prison, shouting confusedly. On they ran right into the arms of the sentries, who at that moment turned out of the alley.
A few moments of confusion ensued ere the identity of each party was made clear to the other—moments precious to the fugitives, who ran on blindly from street to street, little heeding45 which way they went.
Barbara stumbled as she ran, and her breath came in sobs46. Captain Protheroe's grip upon her wrist was like a vice47. Again they turned a corner, and for an instant they stopped dead; for halfway48 down the street, full in their path, the bright light from an open doorway49 flared50 across the road, and in the light stood a group of soldiers eager and alert. They had run into a trap.
Their pursuers behind shouted a warning, the troopers in front wheeled round quickly to face them.
To go back was impossible, to stand still, madness, to run forward into the arms of these expectant troopers, a desperate chance. This time no ruse could avail them.
And then, a few yards on the near side of the lighted doorway, Captain Protheroe espied51 a dark opening in the line of buildings. He darted towards it and slipped between the black shadows of the houses.
Barbara was spent, but even as they ran into the narrow alley, and as he felt further effort was hopeless, Captain Protheroe noted52 an open doorway, dimly lighted. It was a desperate chance, his only one. With an effort he dragged Barbara into the house, and shut the door behind him, listening intently, while the girl sank exhausted53 at his feet. He heard their pursuers turn the corner, pass the door unheeded, and running eagerly on, turn again into the street beyond. Their shouts and footsteps died away in the distance, and all was still.
Captain Protheroe turned and surveyed his surroundings. They were in a narrow, dimly-lighted passage, flanked by a doorway on either side, and leading to a third door at the end. The door on the left was open, and the room to which it gave access, a small parlour, was deserted54.
He glanced at Barbara. She raised her head and smiled at him bravely, though her breath still came in shuddering55 gasps56, and her face was white and drawn57.
He stooped down, and helped her to her feet, then leading her into the little parlour, laid her, unresisting, on the settle, and closed the door.
"Where are we?" she whispered, looking wonderingly around her.
He shook his head.
Just then a door was heard to open in some distant part of the house. There was a babble58 of sounds, a shrill59 voice singing through the verse of a song, followed by a loud burst of boisterous60 laughter.
Captain Protheroe, with a quick exclamation, crossed to the window of the room, drew aside the heavy curtain, and peered out.
Then he turned with a strange expression in his eyes.
"We have walked into the lion's den7, Mistress Barbara," he said. "This is the White Hart Inn."
Barbara started to her feet.
"Oh! let us go, let us go instantly," she cried.
Captain Protheroe stood irresolute61.
"I don't know," he said slowly; "it may be we are in the safest place. At least 'tis the last place where they would dream of searching for us."
As he spoke, the door at the end of the passage opened, and they heard a dragging footstep slowly approaching.
Barbara clasped her hands in desperation.
"Lie down!" he whispered sharply. "Lie down, and turn away your face."
The footsteps drew nearer, the door was pushed open, and a girl carrying a dim rushlight entered the room. Her dress was untidy, her hair tousled, her eyes heavy with sleep.
She gave a quick cry at sight of the occupants of the room, and almost dropped her candlestick in her surprise.
"Why, Sue, what ails62 you?" Captain Protheroe asked cheerily.
The girl stared at him in bewilderment.
"La, Captain Protheroe, sir, eh! but ye frighted me. I took thee for a ghost. What ever be thee here for? Why," she continued with dawning recollection, "I heard tell as how thee wert took prisoner, and in gaol64 along wi' rebels."
"Arrested, I! What nonsense," he answered coolly; "'twas but a jest of Colonel Kirke's. They don't arrest the king's officers, Sue, my girl. But look you, this lady hath but just recovered from a swoon. There was a disturbance65 in the streets, and she was thrown down and frightened. I brought her in here to recover, before I take her home."
"Eh, poor thing!" exclaimed Sue, eyeing Barbara pitifully. "The street is no place for the like o' her this time o' night. But you're kindly66 welcome, sir, and the lady too. We could not give her a bed, sir, I'm afraid; but an she wish to rest on mine——"
"Oh, there's no need to put yourself about, she will be well enow shortly."
"Would you be wishing for supper, sir?" asked in girl sleepily.
"Supper! Good heavens, no. Why it must be near midnight. I'm for my bed presently, and methinks 'tis the place for you now. You look tired to death, my girl."
"Aye. I've been about since five o'clock this morning," she answered, yawning. "Their lordships make a deal of work. But I'm going to my bed now, if you want no more, sir."
"Nothing, thank you, Sue."
"I'm sleeping in yonder," nodding her head across the passage. "Perhaps you'd call, sir, if you want anything." Then she added, hesitating, "We be so full o' guests now, father sleeps on the settle here. But he'll hardly be down yet, he must see their lordships safe to bed first. Good-night to you, sir."
She crossed the passage and disappeared through the doorway opposite.
Captain Protheroe broke the silence which followed:
"If you are rested," he said briskly, "I think we had best be gone."
"Must we go?" she asked lazily.
"The sooner we are free from the houses, the better. The landlord may come here any moment. They are quieter above stairs already."
Then he glanced across the room.
Through the half-closed doors of a cupboard in the corner he espied some dishes of meat—cold bacon, a half eaten pasty, several loaves of bread.
"Fugitives cannot be over and above honest," he muttered with a laugh, as he swept the contents of the cupboard into a cloth, and tucked the bundle under his arm. "We can make the loss good to mine host, some day, perchance, and food we must have. Now, Mistress Barbara, if you are ready."
He stopped with a look of consternation, for even as he spoke, the passage door again opened, and they heard a man's voice calling aloud:
"This way, Master Peters, we can transact67 our business somewhat more privately68 here."
The only possible hiding place the room afforded was the space between the high-backed settle and the wall. In an instant the two had stepped back into its shadow, and crouched69 there, scarce daring to breathe, hoping only that the dim uncertain light might conceal10 their presence from the two men who a moment later entered the room.
The first was a big, burly farmer, with round, red, solemn face and somewhat wooden cast of countenance. He took up his stand by the table, facing the settle, but with the light between him and the fugitives.
His companion afforded a marked contrast; a small, thin, wiry, sharp-featured man. His pale face was alight with intellect, but his narrow-set blue eyes were hard as steel, and while seeming to pierce a man's inner-most thoughts, yet gave in return no vestige70 of answering confidence. He was soberly suited in black, and carried in his hand an open letter, and a small bag of gold.
This was no other than Master Stephen Jewars, my Lord Jeffrey's clerk and secretary, one in whom it was commonly averred71 his lordship trusted more nearly and confided72 more honestly than in any other living man.
The secretary, laying the letter open upon the table, turned and faced the farmer.
"You are after your time, Master Peters," he began, "I had expected you yestere'en."
"Aye, aye," answered the farmer slowly. "I were in Taunton then, sure enow, but the mare73 were took bad and I could not leave her."
"Hum," answered the other somewhat sharply. "You should recollect63, Master Peters, time is precious."
"Aye, your honour," answered the farmer imperturbably74. "But so is hosses."
The secretary started angrily, and eyed the solemn face of his companion doubtfully. Then satisfied by his scrutiny75, his lip curled slightly, and he proceeded:
"Well, well, now you are here, I need not detain you. I see by this letter that you successfully carried out your undertaking76."
"Aye, aye, sure enough. I took Master Ferguson to——"
"Master Peters," interrupted the other sharply, "you will do well to remember this is a matter requiring much circumspection77. We will, therefore, have no names, if you please."
"Why, there be none here to hearken," answered the farmer, in aggrieved78 surprise.
"There is a saying that walls have ears. You cannot be too careful."
"As your honour pleases," answered the man with a shrug79. "I took the man, you know who, safe to Lime right under the noses of the troopers, he lying hid in my cart. He bided80 three nights in my house, and then I shipped him to France wi' my wife's cousin."
"'Twas well done, Master Peters, and here is the price for your task."
The secretary handed the man the bag of money, and watched him secrete81 it in his belt. Then he laid his hand on the farmer's arm, and eyeing him steadily82 with those piercing blue eyes, addressed him in a slow impressive tone.
"And now, Master Peters, there remains83 but one thing to say to you; a warning. You will remember that this matter is an affair of state, and he who has had aught to do with such affairs does well to keep his eyes blinded, his ears deaf, and above all, his tongue dumb. If by word of yours, spoken be it in anger, in boasting, or in drink—if ever, I say, word of this matter escape you, you will——"
"I'm paid to be quiet; I'm not a man to babble i' other folk's affairs," interrupted the farmer in an aggrieved tone.
"I knew it, otherwise you had not been chosen for the work. Nevertheless, bear my words in mind. The man I serve is all-powerful. He can reward generously, but he never forgets an injury, and he never forgives a foe84. Good-night, Master Peters, and remember to bear yourself discreetly85."
The secretary let the man out through the door leading into the alley. He returned to the room muttering to himself.
"I doubt the fellow must be disposed of, he knows too much," he said slowly. Then he picked up the letter from the table, and stood for some minutes gazing at it abstractedly, lost in thought.
"Fool! Fool!" he muttered at last. "Madman, to put himself in the power of such a man. Of a surety it must work his ruin in the end. And all to no purpose, since the papers are still lost. And yet, what is't to me? For an he rise, I shall rise with him, and if he fall—his carcase must serve as a stepping-stone, whereby I may rise alone."
Thoughtfully he folded the letter, and placed it in his pouch86, then turned again from the room. They heard him go slowly down the passage, a door closed, and all was still once more.
The fugitives emerged cautiously from their hiding-place.
"Ferguson! Ferguson!" muttered Captain Protheroe to himself, as he wrapped his cloak round his companion's shoulders. "Ferguson and Jeffreys! for assuredly 'twas Jeffreys of whom he spoke. Now, what the devil—— But come, Mistress Barbara, we'll away from here, and leave them to brew87 what plots they will."
Barbara pulled the cloak closely round her, and followed him silently out of the house. He walked quickly down the alley, and turned into the silent street behind the inn. The moon was down, and save for the occasional glimmer88 of a lamp, the streets were in darkness.
"Where are we going?" asked Barbara, wonderingly.
He shrugged89 his shoulders.
"We must get clear of the town, first. You will not go to your cousin?" he asked doubtfully.
"No, indeed! I would not risk danger to Cicely. And besides I know not where lies the house."
"Then we throw in our lots together?" he asked, smiling down on her.
"Indeed, sir, I see not what else remains for me," she answered simply, committing herself to his protection with an implicit90 faith.
Under his breath he prayed Heaven he might be the means of saving her.
The streets were very silent, they passed on unheeded, avoiding the watch by careful detours91. Of their former pursuers they heard nothing; and, indeed, these latter had given up the chase in despair.
As for Robert, with the quick wit of one well versed92 in such adventures, experience culled93 from many encounters with the watch, when his two companions set off down the alley he had scrambled95 without more ado through the very window whence the alarm was first given, and biding96 there quietly till the pursuit had passed, he escaped thence as silently as he had entered, and made the best speed he could back home.
So none hindered the fugitives in their progress, and they hurried on, with hope ever dawning more brightly before them.
Suddenly a man reeled out of a cross-street, and ran straight into Barbara's arms. He started back with a drunken curse, stared stupidly down at her, and then passed on.
But when he had gone a few paces he paused irresolutely97, looked back over his shoulder, and then turning, ran unsteadily after them and seized the girl's arm.
"Mistress," he said in a hoarse98 whisper, "I saw thee in court to-day."
Barbara gave a cry of horror and shrank back, Captain Protheroe clenched99 his fists, and glanced cautiously up and down the quiet street.
But the man laughed drunkenly.
"Bah!" he cried, "I'll not betray you, my beauty. 'Tis too pretty a face to lie hid in prison, and kissing, not scourging100, were meeter for thee. Aye, and so I'd tell my Lord Jeffreys himself. I'll not betray thee. But get you from the town. Taunton streets are not for you. That bonny face is not soon forgotten, my angel."
Captain Protheroe scowled101. His fingers itched102 to be at the man's throat, for though the warning was kindly, the tone was insolent103, and the fellow leered at the girl with his bleared eyes. But a disturbance was not to be risked. With a curt24 nod, and a gently murmured word of thanks from Barbara, they hurried on, leaving the belated traveller leaning up against a wall chuckling104 over their hasty retreat.
But their progress was doomed105, nevertheless, to meet with yet another check that night.
They had turned into a quiet street, on the outskirts106 of the town, when they were aware of three men coming towards them, carrying amongst them a ladder. Captain Protheroe drew Barbara into the shade of a doorway, and they waited for the party to pass. They stopped, however, before a small house, and laid their burden on the ground; then lighting107 a small lantern they stooped over the bundle on the ladder, and busied themselves over it for some minutes with muttered curses and ejaculations. There was a silence and a mystery about their proceedings108 that excited the captain's curiosity, and he craned forward eagerly to watch them.
Presently they rose and rearing the ladder against the house, held it there, while the leader of the three, an old man, small and hunchbacked, clambered up and entered the half-opened casement109 of a chamber110 in the upper story. He disappeared for a moment into the room, then returning to the window, proceeded to haul up the bundle by a rope to which it had been fastened.
With a sudden quick movement Captain Protheroe put his hand across Barbara's eyes, that she might not watch them, for he recognised in a moment the thing they were hauling up so eagerly, he understood too well the meaning of that dangling111 shadow on the wall. A hanged man was a common enough sight in those days, but what meant these silent men, with that helpless body here?
The man in the chamber hauled up the corpse112, until the helpless, drooping113 head was on a level with the window ledge3. He secured it there, descended114 the ladder, and stepped into the middle of the road chuckling and rubbing his hands, to see the effect of his handiwork.
His accomplices115 stared at him curiously116.
"Well, master," growled117 one, "there he hangs for sure, and we're well paid for the job. But what a murrain a man wants wi' a hanged corpse dangling outside his chamber, is more than my wits can tell."
The hunchback turned slowly and faced the speaker, and his face was as the face of a madman.
"Harkee, my man," he said grimly. "The wench sleeping in yonder chamber is my niece, was my niece, for she's none o' mine now. She was a devil with her whims118 and tantrums, but for all that, she should have wedded119 my son, for she hath a pretty fortune of her own. But she would none of him, calling him 'fool' and 'dotard' because, forsooth, he is not so quick in his wits as some. And he my son. But I kept her close, and she should have gone my way in time, when Monmouth's army came to town, and with him this cursed fellow. They met, I scarce knew how, and she drew him on with her devil's eyes. But I kept her close, so I deemed, till at length I learned the fellow had been in secret night after night to visit the girl, thus, by her chamber window. Then we waited for him, I and my son, and fell on him in her room. But he worsted us, two to one though we were, and my son a giant in strength; and he slew120 my son. He slew my son, and she laughed when she saw him lying dead before her. And he my son. Her lover fled by the window, and I saw him no more. After the battle I sought him high and low until I found him. I brought him to his trial, and saw him hanged for a rogue121. But she has heard nought of him as yet. Presently will we rouse her, and see how now she greets this lover of hers."
The man told his story in a cold, even tone, and at the end broke into a sudden savage122 chuckle123; the light from the lantern illumined his face, and his companions shuddered124 at the sheer brutality125 of its expression.
But the two eavesdroppers who had heard the story, horror-struck, could endure no more, indeed, Barbara was trembling from head to foot. With one accord they crept from the doorway, fortunately unobserved by the three men, who stood so intently contemplating126 the horrible spectacle before them, and passed rapidly from the spot, horrified127 by the experience, and ever pursued by a wild unreasoning terror lest the sleeping girl should wake and come to the window, lest they should hear the greeting she gave her lover's corpse.
And so at length they left the town behind them, and reached the quiet country beyond.
The night lay dark and silent around them. The pure fresh wind blew on their faces, bearing the sweet scent128 of the woods upon its wings; the trees and hedges shadowed darkly above them, whispering soft answers to the wooing breeze. The air was full of the sweet mysterious noises of the night, when nature murmurs129, in those voices which know neither sound nor language, yet speak so clearly to the listening heart.
The wide arch of the clear heavens stretched above them, spreading before their gaze the infinite glories of their star-lit space, teaching alike the infinite littleness and the infinite greatness of man; since though he comprehend so little of what lies around him, yet hath he in his being the breath of that spirit who "or ever the earth and the world was made, is God from everlasting130, and shalt be, world without end."
The joy of freedom coursed through their veins131, a great peace enfolded their hearts, and the Spirit of God rested upon them as they walked on in silence, side by side, into the darkness of the night.
At length, when they had walked three miles or more, Captain Protheroe stopped and stooping down carefully scanned his companion's face.
"We will go no further now," was the result of his scrutiny. "I fear me we must dispense132 with a roof for to-night at least. Can you endure a night in the open, think you?" he queried133 doubtfully.
Barbara smiled, stretching her arms out towards the sky.
"Indeed I can. Three nights in prison have wrought134 such effect upon me, I could wish never to behold135 a roof again."
"Good! then follow me. I know of a hiding-place that should shelter us safely for many a day."
He turned abruptly from the road, and helping136 her through the bordering hedge, struck across several rough fields, until a dark shadow of a wood loomed137 before them, and in a few minutes more they were enveloped138 in the blackness of its depths.
"Give me your hand," he said, drawing her nearer to him. "The paths are difficult to follow."
Indeed she could distinguish nothing in the intense darkness, but he walked on unerringly, leading her along a maze139 of narrow paths, bordered by thick brushwood, and a tangle140 of undergrowth.
"I played here as a lad," he said in explanation of his ready pilotage. "There is no better way to learn the lie of a country than to roam it as a boy. I verily believe I could go every step of the way with my eyes shut."
Presently he stopped, and turning, looked at her doubtfully.
"We should leave the path here, madame, but I fear 'tis a difficult passage, and scarce fit for you to traverse. Think you——"
Barbara laughed.
"Fear nothing for me. Be sure, sir, a woman can go through most things if she ardently141 desire to come out at the further end."
So they turned from the path, and plunged142 into the tangle of brushwood. Despite her boast, Barbara found the difficulties of the way far greater than she had expected, for the darkness was so deep she could distinguish little of what lay around her, and the briars and thorns caught her skirts at every step. Captain Protheroe went before to part the branches for her, where it was possible, or to help her to scramble94 over the tangle of bushes that barred their way. In spite of her fatigue143 the girl's spirits had quite recovered their customary buoyancy, and as they struggled forward, she climbing and scrambling144, he pulling her on, she shook with laughter.
At length, after ten minutes' tedious struggle, their way was barred by a network of branches and creepers so tightly enlaced that the barricade145 was clearly not due to nature alone. Captain Protheroe after a few paces to the left, paused, and pushing aside a branch which yielded to his efforts with but slight resistance, he stepped through the opening, and their journey was at an end.
Barbara found herself in a small clearing, a sloping hollow in the ground, enclosed by a ring of trees and a network of branches. The ground was thickly carpeted with moss146, she felt the spring of it beneath her feet; the faint sound of running water announced the near neighbourhood of a spring; far overhead, through the thick interlacing leaves she could see the stars.
"This is our camp," said Captain Protheroe, glancing round with a proprietary147 air of old acquaintanceship. "'Twill be nigh twenty years since my cousins and I first made it. We were Oxenham's men then, an I remember rightly," he continued with a smile, "fighting against the Spaniards in the Neck of Panama. My father had read us the history, and we built our camp according to the fashion therein described. By the look of it, one would say that none had been here since. The forest stretches far, and 'tis an unfrequented place. 'Twill shelter us well for to-night at least, and then we can lay our plans. And now, madame, you must rest."
He turned to one corner of the clearing, where the moss grew thick and soft, and pulling down some branches, together with long fronds148 of bracken, he built a rough bower149 to shelter her from the cool breeze, and give her at least a thought of privacy. Then he spread his cloak upon the ground, and rolled the wide cape21 over a pile of leaves and grass to form a rough pillow.
He eyed his handiwork with an air of dissatisfaction.
"'Tis a poor place," he muttered; "but I can do no more to-night."
Barbara crossed to his side; she looked up at him with a sudden smile, but her eyes were soft and dark with unshed tears.
"For this, for a thousand kindnesses, Captain Protheroe, I must remain forever in your debt."
She held out her hand; he stooped low before her, and pressed it to his lips.
"Madame, I am amply rewarded."
So he answered her, and had she met the look in his eyes she had known that his words were true.
Long after Barbara's tired eyes had closed in sleep, Captain Protheroe lay silent, motionless, lost in thought.
Twelve hours ago he had held rank in the royal army, rich in wealth, in power, in all the prosperity and happiness of a favoured officer. Now he was an outcast from his profession, an exile from his home, a rebel over whose head hung the penalty of death.
Yet he did not blame his fate. For there, beside him, an outlaw150 as he, helpless save for his protection, was the one woman in the world who throughout his life had awakened151 the worship of his nature, and though the star of his fortunes hung low and dim on the horizon, yet before him, in the darkness gleamed the rising star of love.
Yes, he was amply repaid.
So these two rested peacefully in the shade of the sheltering leaves, while behind them in Taunton, Prudence152 and Robert tossed sleepless153, in a consternation of wonder and doubt, and Cicely, to whom Prue had confided the whole story, prayed desperately the night through in an agony of newly awakened hope.
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1
misery
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| n.痛苦，苦恼，苦难；悲惨的境遇，贫苦 | |
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2
disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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3
ledge
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| n.壁架，架状突出物；岩架，岩礁 | |
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4
essentially
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| adv.本质上，实质上，基本上 | |
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5
submission
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| n.服从，投降；温顺，谦虚；提出 | |
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6
rigid
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| adj.严格的，死板的；刚硬的，僵硬的 | |
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7
den
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| n.兽穴；秘密地方；安静的小房间，私室 | |
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8
rusty
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| adj.生锈的；锈色的；荒废了的 | |
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9
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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10
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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11
obstinate
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| adj.顽固的，倔强的，不易屈服的，较难治愈的 | |
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12
backwards
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| adv.往回地，向原处，倒，相反，前后倒置地 | |
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13
fiery
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| adj.燃烧着的，火红的；暴躁的；激烈的 | |
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14
rosy
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| adj.美好的，乐观的，玫瑰色的 | |
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15
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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16
jaw
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| n.颚，颌，说教，流言蜚语；v.喋喋不休，教训 | |
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17
consternation
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| n.大为吃惊，惊骇 | |
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18
gasped
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| v.喘气( gasp的过去式和过去分词 )；喘息；倒抽气；很想要 | |
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19
whit
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| n.一点，丝毫 | |
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20
darted
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| v.投掷，投射( dart的过去式和过去分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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21
cape
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| n.海角，岬；披肩，短披风 | |
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22
sentries
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| 哨兵，步兵( sentry的名词复数 ) | |
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23
curtly
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| adv.简短地 | |
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24
curt
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| adj.简短的，草率的 | |
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25
nought
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| n.／adj.无，零 | |
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26
inmates
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| n.囚犯( inmate的名词复数 ) | |
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27
alley
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| n.小巷，胡同；小径，小路 | |
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28
thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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29
haughtily
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| adv. 傲慢地, 高傲地 | |
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30
serenely
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| adv.安详地，宁静地，平静地 | |
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31
obstinately
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| ad.固执地，顽固地 | |
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32
groaned
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| v.呻吟( groan的过去式和过去分词 )；发牢骚；抱怨；受苦 | |
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33
nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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34
abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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35
bestow
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| v.把…赠与，把…授予；花费 | |
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36
resolutely
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| adj.坚决地，果断地 | |
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37
bide
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| v.忍耐；等候；住 | |
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38
desperately
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| adv.极度渴望地，绝望地，孤注一掷地 | |
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39
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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40
instinctively
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| adv.本能地 | |
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41
exclamation
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| n.感叹号，惊呼，惊叹词 | |
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42
fugitives
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| n.亡命者，逃命者( fugitive的名词复数 ) | |
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43
tightened
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| 收紧( tighten的过去式和过去分词 )； （使）变紧； （使）绷紧； 加紧 | |
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44
ruse
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| n.诡计，计策；诡计 | |
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45
heeding
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| v.听某人的劝告，听从( heed的现在分词 ) | |
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46
sobs
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| 啜泣（声），呜咽（声）( sob的名词复数 ) | |
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47
vice
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| n.坏事；恶习；[pl.]台钳，老虎钳；adj.副的 | |
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48
halfway
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| adj.中途的，不彻底的，部分的；adv.半路地，在中途，在半途 | |
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49
doorway
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| n.门口，(喻)入门；门路，途径 | |
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50
Flared
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| adj. 端部张开的, 爆发的, 加宽的, 漏斗式的 动词flare的过去式和过去分词 | |
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51
espied
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| v.看到( espy的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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52
noted
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| adj.著名的，知名的 | |
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53
exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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54
deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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55
shuddering
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| v.战栗( shudder的现在分词 )；发抖；（机器、车辆等）突然震动；颤动 | |
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56
gasps
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| v.喘气( gasp的第三人称单数 )；喘息；倒抽气；很想要 | |
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57
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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58
babble
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| v.含糊不清地说，胡言乱语地说，儿语 | |
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59
shrill
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| adj.尖声的；刺耳的；v尖叫 | |
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60
boisterous
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| adj.喧闹的，欢闹的 | |
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61
irresolute
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| adj.无决断的，优柔寡断的，踌躇不定的 | |
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62
ails
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| v.生病( ail的第三人称单数 )；感到不舒服；处境困难；境况不佳 | |
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63
recollect
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| v.回忆，想起，记起，忆起，记得 | |
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64
gaol
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| n.(jail)监狱；(不加冠词)监禁；vt.使…坐牢 | |
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65
disturbance
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| n.动乱，骚动；打扰，干扰；(身心)失调 | |
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66
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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67
transact
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| v.处理；做交易；谈判 | |
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68
privately
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| adv.以私人的身份，悄悄地，私下地 | |
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69
crouched
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| v.屈膝，蹲伏( crouch的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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70
vestige
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| n.痕迹，遗迹，残余 | |
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71
averred
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| v.断言( aver的过去式和过去分词 )；证实；证明…属实；作为事实提出 | |
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72
confided
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| v.吐露（秘密，心事等）( confide的过去式和过去分词 )；（向某人）吐露（隐私、秘密等） | |
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73
mare
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| n.母马，母驴 | |
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74
imperturbably
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| adv.泰然地，镇静地，平静地 | |
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75
scrutiny
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| n.详细检查，仔细观察 | |
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76
undertaking
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| n.保证，许诺，事业 | |
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77
circumspection
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| n.细心，慎重 | |
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78
aggrieved
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| adj.愤愤不平的，受委屈的；悲痛的；（在合法权利方面）受侵害的v.令委屈，令苦恼，侵害( aggrieve的过去式)；令委屈，令苦恼，侵害( aggrieve的过去式和过去分词) | |
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79
shrug
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| v.耸肩(表示怀疑、冷漠、不知等) | |
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80
bided
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| v.等待，停留( bide的过去式 )；居住；等待；面临 | |
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81
secrete
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| vt.分泌；隐匿，使隐秘 | |
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82
steadily
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| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
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83
remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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84
foe
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| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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85
discreetly
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| ad.(言行)审慎地，慎重地 | |
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86
pouch
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| n.小袋，小包，囊状袋；vt.装...入袋中，用袋运输；vi.用袋送信件 | |
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87
brew
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| v.酿造，调制 | |
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88
glimmer
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| v.发出闪烁的微光；n.微光，微弱的闪光 | |
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89
shrugged
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| vt.耸肩（shrug的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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90
implicit
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| a.暗示的，含蓄的，不明晰的，绝对的 | |
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91
detours
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| 绕行的路( detour的名词复数 )； 绕道，兜圈子 | |
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92
versed
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| adj. 精通，熟练 | |
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93
culled
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| v.挑选，剔除( cull的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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94
scramble
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| v.爬行，攀爬，杂乱蔓延，碎片，片段，废料 | |
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95
scrambled
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| v.快速爬行( scramble的过去式和过去分词 )；攀登；争夺；（军事飞机）紧急起飞 | |
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96
biding
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| v.等待，停留( bide的现在分词 )；居住；（过去式用bided）等待；面临 | |
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97
irresolutely
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| adv.优柔寡断地 | |
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98
hoarse
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| adj.嘶哑的，沙哑的 | |
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99
clenched
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| v.紧握，抓紧，咬紧( clench的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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100
scourging
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| 鞭打( scourge的现在分词 )； 惩罚，压迫 | |
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101
scowled
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| 怒视，生气地皱眉( scowl的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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102
itched
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| v.发痒( itch的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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103
insolent
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| adj.傲慢的，无理的 | |
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104
chuckling
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| 轻声地笑( chuckle的现在分词 ) | |
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105
doomed
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| 命定的 | |
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106
outskirts
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| n.郊外，郊区 | |
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107
lighting
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| n.照明，光线的明暗，舞台灯光 | |
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108
proceedings
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| n.进程，过程，议程；诉讼(程序)；公报 | |
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109
casement
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| n.竖铰链窗；窗扉 | |
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110
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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111
dangling
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| 悬吊着( dangle的现在分词 )； 摆动不定； 用某事物诱惑…； 吊胃口 | |
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112
corpse
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| n.尸体，死尸 | |
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113
drooping
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| adj. 下垂的，无力的 动词droop的现在分词 | |
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114
descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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115
accomplices
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| 从犯，帮凶，同谋( accomplice的名词复数 ) | |
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116
curiously
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| adv.有求知欲地；好问地；奇特地 | |
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117
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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118
WHIMS
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| 虚妄，禅病 | |
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119
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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120
slew
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| v.（使）旋转；n.大量，许多 | |
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121
rogue
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| n.流氓；v.游手好闲 | |
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122
savage
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| adj.野蛮的；凶恶的，残暴的；n.未开化的人 | |
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123
chuckle
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| vi.／n.轻声笑，咯咯笑 | |
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124
shuddered
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| v.战栗( shudder的过去式和过去分词 )；发抖；（机器、车辆等）突然震动；颤动 | |
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125
brutality
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| n.野蛮的行为，残忍，野蛮 | |
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126
contemplating
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| 深思，细想，仔细考虑( contemplate的现在分词 )； 注视，凝视； 考虑接受（发生某事的可能性）； 深思熟虑，沉思，苦思冥想 | |
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127
horrified
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| a.(表现出)恐惧的 | |
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128
scent
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| n.气味，香味，香水，线索，嗅觉；v.嗅，发觉 | |
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129
murmurs
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| n.低沉、连续而不清的声音( murmur的名词复数 )；低语声；怨言；嘀咕 | |
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130
everlasting
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| adj.永恒的，持久的，无止境的 | |
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131
veins
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| n.纹理；矿脉( vein的名词复数 )；静脉；叶脉；纹理 | |
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132
dispense
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| vt.分配，分发；配(药)，发(药)；实施 | |
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133
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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134
wrought
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| v.引起；以…原料制作；运转；adj.制造的 | |
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135
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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136
helping
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| n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的，辅助的 | |
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137
loomed
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| v.隐约出现，阴森地逼近( loom的过去式和过去分词 )；隐约出现，阴森地逼近 | |
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138
enveloped
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| v.包围，笼罩，包住( envelop的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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139
maze
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| n.迷宫，八阵图，混乱，迷惑 | |
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140
tangle
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| n.纠缠；缠结；混乱；v.(使)缠绕；变乱 | |
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141
ardently
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| adv.热心地，热烈地 | |
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142
plunged
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| v.颠簸( plunge的过去式和过去分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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143
fatigue
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| n.疲劳，劳累 | |
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144
scrambling
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| v.快速爬行( scramble的现在分词 )；攀登；争夺；（军事飞机）紧急起飞 | |
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145
barricade
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| n.路障，栅栏，障碍；vt.设路障挡住 | |
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146
moss
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| n.苔，藓，地衣 | |
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147
proprietary
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| n.所有权，所有的；独占的；业主 | |
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148
fronds
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| n.蕨类或棕榈类植物的叶子( frond的名词复数 ) | |
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149
bower
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| n.凉亭，树荫下凉快之处；闺房；v.荫蔽 | |
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150
outlaw
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| n.歹徒，亡命之徒；vt.宣布…为不合法 | |
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151
awakened
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| v.（使）醒( awaken的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
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152
prudence
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| n.谨慎，精明，节俭 | |
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153
sleepless
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| adj.不睡眠的，睡不著的，不休息的 | |
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