The long sitting in court was over. All day he had stormed and bullied2, reducing prisoners and advocates alike, and even his brothers on the bench, to a state of terrified submission3. He had poured forth4 abuse on the heads of timorous5 witnesses, cracked his jests and thundered his threats at the miserable6 victims of the law's severity. He had sworn, wrangled7, and blustered8, and now he was alone.
The wearying journey, the tedious days of work, the long nights of carouse9, above all the unrestrained passions in which he daily indulged had conduced to the inevitable10 result; on his arrival in Wells his malady11 had become greatly aggravated12, and his physicians had urged on him the absolute necessity of quiet and abstinence. Accordingly to-night he followed their advice; the officers and other jovial13 gentlemen who formed his escort feasted apart, and, sick in body, weary in mind, he sat alone.
And as he sat there in all the luxury of his surroundings, despite his high position, despite his success, despite his wealth, power, and influence, 'twould have been hard to find in all the length and breadth of the kingdom a more wretched man than George Jeffreys, lord chief justice of England, lord chancellor14 elect.
For the man was cursed with a double curse, and the burden of his life seemed at times too heavy to be borne. Cursed with an ambition which would not let him rest, which ever urged him to new struggles, new extravagances, new ventures, and contrariwise cursed with a sensitiveness, a cowardice15 that made each step in the path of his career an added terror to his brain, each rough encounter a fresh misery16, each rebuff a stinging agony.
The mainspring of his character was an overweening vanity. He must be first of his company, he must, by whatever means offered, rise to the highest; but on the other hand he could brook17 no opposition18, a taunt19 or a rebuke20 was torture to him, a threat a terror that moved him at times to tears. The rebuffs and sneers21 which to a braver nature appear but the natural pricks22 of life, were to him a veritable torment23 from which he shrank with all the horror of a keenly sensitive soul. While his ambitious vanity drove him to assume airs of overweening insolence24, to bully25 and overawe all who came before him, to delight to see men shrink and tremble at his words; yet if he met with opposition, his haughty26 mien27 vanished in a burst of childish passion, and if he found his aims thwarted28 he became reduced to a state of helpless misery.
Thus his ambition drove him into a struggle with the world, but the very enmity and hatred29 naturally evoked30 were to him the source of misery unspeakable.
Such was the man who had elected to climb the highest rung of the ladder. Verily he paid his price.
As he sat alone, forced no longer to wear his mask, to preserve an air of proud assurance and command, the reflection of his thoughts played across his face, and 'twas a bitter tale to read. His brows frowned in pain and perplexity, his lips twitched31 nervously32, and in his eyes lurked33 a look as of one cowering34 beneath an ever-present dread35. He leaned weariedly back in his chair, his hands idly resting on its arms, his face drawn36 with suffering.
On the table before him lay many letters from friends of the prisoners he had recently condemned37, heart-rending pleas for mercy, despairing appeals for a mitigation, however slight, of the agonising sentences he had pronounced; and among them was a letter from his father, the old man whom still in spite of all he respected and in his own way loved, a letter entreating38 him to show pity in his judgments39, threatening to disown him should he still persist in his bloody40 methods. And Jeffreys himself, save in his outbursts of rage, was not a cruel man, and took little enough delight in his brutal41 task. Still he had no choice. For the King's commands had been absolute; no mercy must be shown and the King's commands he dared not disobey.
And in addition to these commands, apart from his hope to win by his zealous42 service the office of lord chancellor, there was jet another reason, more poignant43 than all, why he dared show no mercy to those associated with the late rebellion; why, if he could have had his own way, every man who had so much as looked at Duke Monmouth should be put to death.
For he himself, in one of those sudden fits of alarm which formed the cause in him of so much double-dealing, had intrigued44 secretly with Monmouth, and the haunting fear of discovery had sent him down into the west like a savage46 beast of prey47, panting to sweep from sight all traces of rebellion, striving to prove, by the very ferocity of his judgments, his loyalty48 to the King and his repugnance49 of the course of his enemies. So he was driven, by the very desperation of his ambition, to win for himself a hatred and contempt that almost broke his heart.
And to-night, as he sat alone, he wondered wearily whether the struggle was worth the torture it created, and his heart cried to him to give up the contest, resign his office, and in retirement50 find rest for his suffering body, and peace for his weary soul. So spake his heart, and he longed for determination to follow its dictates51. Yet he knew too well the while that peace was not for him, for the curse of Lucifer was upon him, and so long as there remained power to strive for, or enemies to overthrow52, so long must he struggle on in misery, until death should bring to him the only rest such as he may ever know.
He was interrupted in his musings by the entrance of his secretary, Master Stephen Jewars. Perturbed53 and anxious the man hurried into the room, and after a moment's pause advanced to his master's side.
"My lord," he began nervously, "there is an officer without, asking to see your lordship."
Jeffreys moved impatiently.
"Not to-night, Jewars," he said sharply; "I will see no one to-night. His business will wait."
"Pardon, my lord, even so I answered him, but he declares his business will not wait. Moreover, 'tis a matter of the most absolute importance, so he states, that he see you."
"Devil take you!" cried Jeffreys angrily. "Why, fellow, have you not heard the same tale ten thousand times of late? 'Tis another o' these petitioners54, I'll warrant. I will not see him."
A moment the secretary hesitated. Then he stooped over his master and said in a low, cautious tone:
"My lord, it may be I am mistaken, but—methinks the man knows something."
Jeffreys started.
"What mean you, fellow?" he asked quickly. "What does he say?"
"Nay55, my lord, 'tis mostly by his manner I judge it, for he demands to see your lordship as tho' 'tis nought56 to him yet for your sake 'twere wise. And then also his words—for he claims to have information concerning an intrigue45 with the late Duke, an intrigue which may not astonish your lordship as much as most folk, yet 'twill be of greater moment to your lordship to be the first to hear on't."
"Tut!" cried Jeffreys nervously. "Any man might say that."
"Aye, my lord, any man might say it, but an I be any judge of men, this man hath meaning in his words."
Jeffreys was silent.
"Well, well, Jewars," he said after a pause; "I will see the man. But not alone. You will remain in the room, and look you, have an escort ready at hand, lest the man must be—lest he prove an impostor."
"Very good, my lord," answered Jewars with a sigh of relief. "I will bring him in at once."
Two minutes later he ushered57 Captain Protheroe into the judge's presence.
At sight of his visitor Jeffreys started, and eyeing him sharply for a moment, rapped out a fierce oath.
"What's this!" he cried. "What do you here? How dare you come here? I know you, fellow, I know your face well."
"'Tis possible," answered the other coolly. "I have been frequently before your lordship—er—unofficially. I was one of Colonel Kirke's officers."
"Truly, you do well to say was," shouted Jeffreys angrily. "I mind you well, sir. You are he who was committed at Taunton and who afterwards escaped. I have not forgot you, sir."
"Indeed! I congratulate your lordship upon an excellent memory," was the cool reply.
"Zounds! Jewars. What is the fellow here for?" blustered the judge. "A condemned rebel! A traitor58! Call in the guard."
"Nay, my lord," interrupted Captain Protheroe quietly. "I have that to say to your lordship of the deepest import. You will do well to hear me out. The guard afterwards—an you will."
Jeffreys eyed him, frowning.
"You are a cool fellow," he muttered. "Have a care, sir, have a care. Do not trifle with me. Your life is not worth one——"
"I am aware of that fact, my lord," he interrupted coolly. "Judge then whether the business which led me to place myself in your power be likely to be of import or no. Indeed, my lord, you will do well to hear me."
For a moment the judge hesitated, trying to outfrown the officer's cool glance, but finding here was a different man from those whom he was accustomed to bully in the law courts, he submitted with a bad grace to the demand.
"Well! Well! say what you desire, sir; but look you, waste no time."
"I have no desire to do so, my lord. In fact waste of time were more fatal to me than ever it could be inconvenient59 to your lordship. Briefly60 then, I am here to give your lordship an opportunity of exercising mercy."
Judge Jeffreys stared for a moment in amazement61, then dropped his fist upon the table with a fierce oath.
"Mercy! Mercy!" he shouted. "And have you dared, fellow, to force your way into my presence, to interrupt my rest, solely62 to beg for mercy on your miserable life. Have you indeed so dared, fellow?"
"My name is Protheroe, since it seems to have escaped your lordship's otherwise excellent memory," was the cool reply. "But indeed I certainly have not intruded63 on your seclusion64 merely to beg so slight a thing as my pardon. 'Tis a most wide-reaching exercise of mercy I offer your lordship, the release of four rebels at least."
Jeffreys sprang to his feet, trembling with fury, and roared out a torrent65 of oaths that startled even the accustomed ears of his hearer. But Captain Protheroe did not change a tittle of his cool, resolute66 mien. He knew his man, and knew well that the only way to master such as he was to meet insolence with insolence, and rage with cool contempt.
"To the guardhouse with the insolent67 fellow," shouted Jeffreys, glaring with passion. "Away with him!"
"You forget, my lord," shouted the officer, endeavouring vainly to win a hearing; "I do not come empty-handed, I bring my price."
But the Judge was beside himself with fury, and Captain Protheroe had hardly escaped immediate68 arrest, had not the secretary stepped quickly forward and whispered a few words in his master's ear. At first he could gain no attention, but gradually the storm subsided69, the judge's fury wavered before the calm indifference70 of the soldier, and after a moment's silence he submitted sulkily to his secretary's persuasion71.
"Well! Well! Jewars. I will hear him," he muttered. "Look you, sir, say clearly what has brought you here. You claim to have information to give. What is it? What have you to offer?"
"Two letters, my lord."
"Letters!" The judge started forward, grasping the table with his hands, his eyes glaring at the officer. "Letters, say you?"
"Aye, my lord," answered the officer nonchalantly. "Certain letters of your lordship's own hand, which have come into my possession. They are, I venture to believe, a most sufficient guarantee for my trust in your clemency72."
Jeffreys dropped his hands and fell back into his chair, his eyes fixed73 on the speaker with horrible intensity74. His fingers moved nervously and his lips twitched. Jewars touched him on the shoulder, and with a start he recovered himself.
"Show me the letters!" he snarled75 abruptly76.
Captain Protheroe drew the papers from his breast, and handed them across the table. He was purposely deliberate in his movements, revelling77 in the anxiety of the judge's face.
There was a dead silence in the room while Judge Jeffreys perused78 the letters. He bent79 his head low over the paper, therefore his face was hidden from the officer, who waited breathless for the pronouncement upon the contents.
At length after a long pause, the judge raised his head.
His face was calm, his voice as usual loud and raucous80.
He eyed the officer firmly.
"These"—he said slowly, tapping the papers—"these are forgeries81."
A sudden cold chill crept round Captain Protheroe's heart. He stared at the judge in amazement, in slowly rising despair.
"Forgeries, sir," said Jeffreys again coldly. "Have you no more to say?"
But even while he spake, Captain Protheroe noted82, though the face and voice were calm, yet the hand which held the letter trembled till the paper shook like an aspen leaf. He noted this, and took fresh courage from the sight.
"Pardon me, my lord," he drawled politely; "not forgeries, but—er—copies."
The judge glared at him.
"Copies," he cried sharply. "Then where are the originals! Show them to me?"
"Indeed, my lord, you underrate my very high opinion of your lordship's—er—ingenuity, if you deem I have brought the originals with me," answered the captain with the same slow politeness. "They are in safe-keeping elsewhere."
Jeffreys swore under his breath. Then he turned to the officer with a scornful laugh.
"And you dream, by these letters, you can prove me traitor, eh?" he asked mockingly.
"Certainly not, my lord, if your lordship can prove your innocence," was the cool answer.
There was silence. The two men eyed one another defiantly83. Then Jeffreys laid down the letters, and leaned across the table.
"You are a fool, sir," he said sharply, "an you think to reap any advantage from these letters. I tell you the plain truth. I have intrigued with Monmouth, but solely that by gaining his confidence, I might prove of greater assistance to his Majesty84."
"Indeed, my lord, I never held so low an opinion of you as to suppose you would confine your treachery to one party only," answered Captain Protheroe insolently85. But his heart beat quickly, for he liked not the suggestion in the judge's words.
"Have a care, sir," shouted Jeffreys angrily. "Recollect86 you are in my power."
"With reservations, my lord. For, if I join not my friends within two hours, the originals of these letters will, before to-morrow night, be in the hands of one likely to take a deeper interest in the matter than your lordship seems to do."
"Devil damn you, fellow! Have I not told you wherefore these letters were writ87?"
"You have. For your lordship's sake I trust others may place more credence88 in your story than I do myself."
"What! Do you dream his Majesty will believe there is one word of truth in your story if I deny it? Your letters are powerless to destroy me. Heavens, man, do you suppose his Majesty would disgrace me on such evidence? I tell you, sir, I am as necessary to him as his crown."
"My lord, you yourself undoubtedly89 are the best judge as to what extent his Majesty finds your services a necessity. But 'tis said he is easily suspicious, and 'twill not be the first time such accusations90 have been brought."
Jeffreys winced92 at the suggestion.
Captain Protheroe continued quietly:
"But 'tis not to his Majesty the papers would be delivered. He is the head of the kingdom, but by no means the only power therein. It might be, my lord, that the accusation91 once brought, he would be powerless to save you."
"What do you mean?" snarled the judge.
"I think, my lord, 'twas his late Majesty who remarked that your lordship was not 'parliament-proof.'"
Jeffreys started back and glanced uneasily at the speaker.
"Parliament," continued the officer slowly, "is indeed almost entirely93 Tory, but yet, as your lordship has good reason to know, it hath no great love for your person. There may not be many honest men among the members, but 'tis certain there are many cowards, and cowards will not brook traitors94. If this accusation be brought forward it will not be lightly set aside, And it should not be necessary for me to remind your lordship that you have many enemies in the House."
Jeffreys sat silent, gnawing95 his nails, and gazing moodily96 on the ground.
After a pause Captain Protheroe continued with rising courage.
"Now, my lord, should these letters fall into the hands of the Duke of Rochester for example."
Jeffreys started to his feet with a sudden wild cry.
"Your price, man, your price?" he shouted fiercely. Then he sank down again and leaned his head wearily upon his hand.
Captain Protheroe's eyes flashed with triumph.
"My price!" he cried eagerly. "My lord, I might ask much, but I refrain. All I demand is a free pardon for four rebels, Mistress Barbara Winslow, Sir Rupert Winslow, Sir Ralph Trevellyan, and myself. That is my price, and no dear one for such evidence as this."
"Pardons! Pardons!" cried Jeffreys testily97; "what have I to do with pardons? 'Tis his Majesty alone who can grant such."
"Truly, my lord," answered the officer politely; "yet knowing the great confidence his Majesty places in your lordship, I venture to believe you will find no great difficulty in procuring98 what I demand. In the meantime I will content myself with a safe pass to Holland for myself and my companions."
A sudden light gleamed in the judge's eyes. Drawing towards him ink and paper he wrote the necessary orders, signed and sealed them and laid them on the table beside him.
"That will serve your purpose, sir," he said quietly. "My secretary will now accompany you to fetch the originals of the letters; on your return with them this passport shall be delivered to you."
Captain Protheroe laughed quickly.
Then he turned to Jeffreys with an air of deep reproach.
"Alas99! my lord," he cried, "you do indeed underrate my opinion of your ability; moreover, I fear, you take me for a fool. No, no, my lord; that plan likes me not."
Judge Jeffreys started up with an oath, and made a movement to tear the paper in pieces. Captain Protheroe stopped him sharply.
"Hearken, my lord," he said sternly, "you will hand that pass to me now, you will take no steps to interfere100 with our departure, and you will at once apply yourself to obtain the pardons I demand. If money be required to win them I doubt not your lordship has sufficient to meet all expenses. In the meantime I and my friends will ride in safety to the coast, stopping a night or so at Durford Manor101 house——"
"Durford," cried Jeffreys sharply, "what would you at Durford?"
"Er—a small matter of an old gold brocade, I believe," answered Captain Protheroe, with a little smile of reminiscence. "From there we will take ship and sail for Holland. On the day your lordship procures102 our pardons, the letters you require shall be delivered into your hands."
"And if I refuse?"
"Refuse! why, then, as I have already explained, the letters have another destination. His Majesty, I believe, has now left Winchester, but the Duke——"
"I should at least soon see you hanged," interrupted Jeffreys furiously.
"I believe you, my lord," answered the captain drily; "but I do not anticipate I should have long to wait before your lordship followed me."
There was a pause. Then Jeffreys continued testily.
"What assurance have I these letters will be delivered to me?"
"My word."
"Pah! What faith put you in my word that you should have your pass?"
"None whatever! but the parallel is hardly just. I am a man of honour. That is one of the few titles to which your lordship has never aspired103." Then he continued sharply, "Come, my lord, there is no time to lose; I beg you to come to a decision. I will not insult your intellect by repeating the facts of the case. Briefly, the matter runs thus: Whose head do you count of greatest value, mine or your lordship's?"
There was a full minute's silence. Then without a word Jeffreys picked up the passport and handed it to the officer.
"Ah, my lord! I thought I should not be mistaken in your answer," said the captain coolly. "I need not impress upon you the advisability of doing all in your power to facilitate our safe journey. Our interests will doubtless be dear to you as—as your own neck. My lord, I bid you good-evening."
The judge made no answer. He leaned wearily back in his chair, staring moodily before him. Behind him stood the secretary, silent, immovable, but with an expression of deepest relief upon his face. Captain Protheroe turned on his heel, and strode across the room, but scarcely had he reached the door when it was opened suddenly from without, and he found himself face to face with Colonel Kirke.
Both men gave a sharp exclamation104 of astonishment105 and sprang back. Then the colonel with a sudden quick movement stepped into the room, shut the door, and set his back against it.
For a moment all was still, the two stared at each other in dead silence, measuring glances of hatred and contempt. Then Jeffreys rose from his chair and stepped quickly forward.
"What do you want, colonel?" he asked hoarsely106.
Kirke turned abruptly to the judge.
"What is this man doing here, my lord?" he demanded sharply.
Jeffreys moved nervously.
"Captain Protheroe is about to start upon a mission to Holland, at my direction," he answered nervously.
"But, my lord, have you forgot? this fellow is an escaped rebel, committed for treason."
"I know, colonel. But he is pardoned."
"Pardoned! By whom? For what reason?"
"In return for information received," answered Jeffreys quickly.
"Hell-fire! That he is not!" shouted the colonel fiercely. "I know you, Jeffreys, you've made your money out of him, and now you would let him go. But, by Heaven! an you do, I'll noise it abroad till all London hear on't. And you know, none better, his Majesty's commands concerning these rebels, not one is to escape. Pardoned! Now, by the light of the Prophet's beard, the man is a traitor and shall hang e'en if I had to do it with my own hands. Pardoned! Pah! The man shall hang as sure as my name is Percy Kirke."
He ceased, and there was another silence. Captain Protheroe loosened in its sheath the sword he earned and glanced rapidly round the room. He turned to the chief justice, but no further help showed there. Jeffreys had sunk back in his chair, and looked the picture of helpless dismay. The man was a mass of nerves, sensitive as a girl; he trembled under Colonel Kirke's fierce attack, and had no words with which to defend himself.
"Do you understand me, Jeffreys?" the colonel again shouted. "By Heaven, I'll publish the facts."
"My lord," interposed Captain Protheroe quietly, "'tis but a night's ride to Winchester."
Jeffreys looked from one to the other hopelessly calculating his chances with a desperate cunning.
"Tut, colonel," he began nervously; "what is the man to you? Let him——"
He was interrupted by a sudden knock at the door, and the entrance of an orderly.
"A messenger from London, my lord," he said.
He marched across to the chief justice, and handed him a packet, then saluting107, turned and left the room.
Partly with the idea of gaining time, partly with a faint hope of there finding a way out of his difficulty, Jeffreys broke open the packet and began to read. Colonel Kirke stood silent, watching him angrily, but Captain Protheroe glanced hurriedly up and down the room, puzzling his wits to devise some method of escape.
Suddenly the chief justice started to his feet and turned to the colonel. There was a look of excitement on his face, and triumph in his eyes.
"Colonel Kirke," he exclaimed harshly, "you are recalled to London!"
With clenched108 hands and blazing eyes Kirke turned on Jeffreys.
"Recalled! I! What in the devil's name do you mean?"
"Here are your orders. The regiment109 will proceed there in the course of a week. You are to set out immediately."
Kirke stared at the paper in amazement; then he threw it to the ground and stamped on it in a sudden fury. "Recalled! Disgraced! Bah! Have you had a hand in this, Jeffreys? Recalled! Now, by——" He roared out a torrent of oaths.
Presently he grew calmer, picked up the paper, read it once more, and locked moodily at the chief justice.
"I must set out at once," he muttered. "But look you, Jeffreys, a word of warning; this is but a passing affair, the work o' that meddlesome110 Sunderland, I'll be bound. I shall soon return, so be careful what you do. I've set my heart on this matter"—pointing to the captain. "When I return, an that fellow be not handed over to me for court-martial, then, by all the devils in heaven and hell, I'll be revenged. You know me, Jeffreys, and you know what I can do. Take warning."
He swung to the door, then pausing, turned to Captain Protheroe, and eyed him with a scornful glance.
"A narrow shave for you," he said; "but I'll hope to see you hanged yet, my fine fellow."
Captain Protheroe smiled scornfully.
"I'm afraid, colonel," he answered drily, "unless our executions take place simultaneously111 on the same spot, we can't both realise our mutual112 hope."
With an oath Colonel Kirke swung out of the room, and the door was shut. Then Captain Protheroe turned to Jeffreys. The judge's face was a study of indecision. He stared moodily at the letters before him, he glanced nervously at the door through which the colonel had retired113. He was a man standing114 betwixt two abysses, doubting over which to risk a jump. At last he raised his head, and faced the captain defiantly.
"Captain Protheroe," he said, "I must withdraw your passport and place you under arrest."
Captain Protheroe stared at the judge in dismay. The secretary took a rapid step forward, and stooped over his master's chair.
"My lord," he whispered, "think what you do. These letters——"
"I know! I know!" cried Jeffreys testily; "but I also know Kirke. 'Tis one or the other, and Kirke is not a man to deny."
Again the secretary stooped to argue, but Jeffreys thrust him aside.
"No, no, Jewars, I tell you 'tis the safer way. This is the only evidence"—tapping the letters—"and it may be disproved."
Then, with a sudden inspiration Captain Protheroe stepped forward, and leaning over the table, fixed his eyes on Jeffreys.
"The only evidence, my lord?" he asked quietly. "Tell me, has your lordship ever heard of a certain Master Hugh Peters, of Lime?"
"Peters!" gasped115 the secretary, with a sudden start of horror.
"Aye," answered the officer slowly. "A worthy116 man who can give much valuable information concerning the manner of Ferguson's escape, about which there has been so great a pother in London. And, my lord, he is not the only man who knows the secret."
With a sudden cry the secretary caught the chief justice's arm; his face was livid, he trembled from head to foot.
"My lord," he cried, "there is no help for it, this man must go. There is no safety else. He knows—Heavens! what does he not know? My lord, Colonel Kirke may be dangerous, but he is disgraced, and he hath but little evidence, and 'tis but a matter of bribery117 after all. But this man—oh, my lord! let him go, out of the country with him, and Heaven grant we may never see him more."
Jeffreys turned and stared at the terrified man, and slowly the fear passed into his own heart. Fiercely he clutched the arms of his chair, his eyes rolled, he moved his head from side to side, as one hounded to death, and seeing no escape. Then with a loud cry of rage and despair, he sprang to his feet, and pointed118 wildly to the door.
"Go!" he cried. "Go! You are free! But have a care. For an you come within my power again, by God! you shall pay for this. You shall die a thousand times; at the cart-tail, at the post, at the gallows119, at the stake. You shall feel a thousand torments120, till hell itself shall show more merciful. I will——"
"Silence!" shouted the captain sternly. "Peace, fool, I will hear no more o' such vapourings. I go now, but first, mark you this, my Lord Jeffreys, see to it you carry out our contract to the smallest detail, for should harm befall me and mine thro' your doing, I vow121 to heaven, my lord, I will not hang alone. So, an you value your own neck, leave us in peace."
For one moment Jeffreys stood gasping122 open-mouthed, gazing at the speaker in a fury of impotent rage, then he suddenly collapsed123 and sinking into his chair, he fell forward across the table and burst into bitter tears.
But Captain Protheroe waited no longer, but tucking the passport into his breast, proceeded calmly to the street. Nor did he pause until he had passed out of the north gate and left the town behind him.
"Phew!" he muttered, wiping his forehead, "I've played high in my time, but never for such stakes as these. Heaven help me! what a hand I held, and God forgive me, but how I played it!"
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1 lodging | |
n.寄宿,住所;(大学生的)校外宿舍 | |
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2 bullied | |
adj.被欺负了v.恐吓,威逼( bully的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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3 submission | |
n.服从,投降;温顺,谦虚;提出 | |
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4 forth | |
adv.向前;向外,往外 | |
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5 timorous | |
adj.胆怯的,胆小的 | |
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6 miserable | |
adj.悲惨的,痛苦的;可怜的,糟糕的 | |
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7 wrangled | |
v.争吵,争论,口角( wrangle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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8 blustered | |
v.外强中干的威吓( bluster的过去式和过去分词 );咆哮;(风)呼啸;狂吹 | |
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9 carouse | |
v.狂欢;痛饮;n.狂饮的宴会 | |
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10 inevitable | |
adj.不可避免的,必然发生的 | |
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11 malady | |
n.病,疾病(通常做比喻) | |
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12 aggravated | |
使恶化( aggravate的过去式和过去分词 ); 使更严重; 激怒; 使恼火 | |
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13 jovial | |
adj.快乐的,好交际的 | |
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14 chancellor | |
n.(英)大臣;法官;(德、奥)总理;大学校长 | |
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15 cowardice | |
n.胆小,怯懦 | |
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16 misery | |
n.痛苦,苦恼,苦难;悲惨的境遇,贫苦 | |
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17 brook | |
n.小河,溪;v.忍受,容让 | |
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18 opposition | |
n.反对,敌对 | |
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19 taunt | |
n.辱骂,嘲弄;v.嘲弄 | |
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20 rebuke | |
v.指责,非难,斥责 [反]praise | |
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21 sneers | |
讥笑的表情(言语)( sneer的名词复数 ) | |
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22 pricks | |
刺痛( prick的名词复数 ); 刺孔; 刺痕; 植物的刺 | |
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23 torment | |
n.折磨;令人痛苦的东西(人);vt.折磨;纠缠 | |
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24 insolence | |
n.傲慢;无礼;厚颜;傲慢的态度 | |
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25 bully | |
n.恃强欺弱者,小流氓;vt.威胁,欺侮 | |
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26 haughty | |
adj.傲慢的,高傲的 | |
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27 mien | |
n.风采;态度 | |
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28 thwarted | |
阻挠( thwart的过去式和过去分词 ); 使受挫折; 挫败; 横过 | |
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29 hatred | |
n.憎恶,憎恨,仇恨 | |
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30 evoked | |
[医]诱发的 | |
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31 twitched | |
vt.& vi.(使)抽动,(使)颤动(twitch的过去式与过去分词形式) | |
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32 nervously | |
adv.神情激动地,不安地 | |
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33 lurked | |
vi.潜伏,埋伏(lurk的过去式与过去分词形式) | |
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34 cowering | |
v.畏缩,抖缩( cower的现在分词 ) | |
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35 dread | |
vt.担忧,忧虑;惧怕,不敢;n.担忧,畏惧 | |
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36 drawn | |
v.拖,拉,拔出;adj.憔悴的,紧张的 | |
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37 condemned | |
adj. 被责难的, 被宣告有罪的 动词condemn的过去式和过去分词 | |
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38 entreating | |
恳求,乞求( entreat的现在分词 ) | |
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39 judgments | |
判断( judgment的名词复数 ); 鉴定; 评价; 审判 | |
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40 bloody | |
adj.非常的的;流血的;残忍的;adv.很;vt.血染 | |
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41 brutal | |
adj.残忍的,野蛮的,不讲理的 | |
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42 zealous | |
adj.狂热的,热心的 | |
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43 poignant | |
adj.令人痛苦的,辛酸的,惨痛的 | |
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44 intrigued | |
adj.好奇的,被迷住了的v.搞阴谋诡计(intrigue的过去式);激起…的兴趣或好奇心;“intrigue”的过去式和过去分词 | |
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45 intrigue | |
vt.激起兴趣,迷住;vi.耍阴谋;n.阴谋,密谋 | |
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46 savage | |
adj.野蛮的;凶恶的,残暴的;n.未开化的人 | |
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47 prey | |
n.被掠食者,牺牲者,掠食;v.捕食,掠夺,折磨 | |
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48 loyalty | |
n.忠诚,忠心 | |
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49 repugnance | |
n.嫌恶 | |
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50 retirement | |
n.退休,退职 | |
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51 dictates | |
n.命令,规定,要求( dictate的名词复数 )v.大声讲或读( dictate的第三人称单数 );口授;支配;摆布 | |
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52 overthrow | |
v.推翻,打倒,颠覆;n.推翻,瓦解,颠覆 | |
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53 perturbed | |
adj.烦燥不安的v.使(某人)烦恼,不安( perturb的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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54 petitioners | |
n.请求人,请愿人( petitioner的名词复数 );离婚案原告 | |
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55 nay | |
adv.不;n.反对票,投反对票者 | |
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56 nought | |
n./adj.无,零 | |
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57 ushered | |
v.引,领,陪同( usher的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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58 traitor | |
n.叛徒,卖国贼 | |
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59 inconvenient | |
adj.不方便的,令人感到麻烦的 | |
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60 briefly | |
adv.简单地,简短地 | |
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61 amazement | |
n.惊奇,惊讶 | |
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62 solely | |
adv.仅仅,唯一地 | |
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63 intruded | |
n.侵入的,推进的v.侵入,侵扰,打扰( intrude的过去式和过去分词 );把…强加于 | |
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64 seclusion | |
n.隐遁,隔离 | |
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65 torrent | |
n.激流,洪流;爆发,(话语等的)连发 | |
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66 resolute | |
adj.坚决的,果敢的 | |
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67 insolent | |
adj.傲慢的,无理的 | |
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68 immediate | |
adj.立即的;直接的,最接近的;紧靠的 | |
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69 subsided | |
v.(土地)下陷(因在地下采矿)( subside的过去式和过去分词 );减弱;下降至较低或正常水平;一下子坐在椅子等上 | |
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70 indifference | |
n.不感兴趣,不关心,冷淡,不在乎 | |
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71 persuasion | |
n.劝说;说服;持有某种信仰的宗派 | |
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72 clemency | |
n.温和,仁慈,宽厚 | |
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73 fixed | |
adj.固定的,不变的,准备好的;(计算机)固定的 | |
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74 intensity | |
n.强烈,剧烈;强度;烈度 | |
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75 snarled | |
v.(指狗)吠,嗥叫, (人)咆哮( snarl的过去式和过去分词 );咆哮着说,厉声地说 | |
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76 abruptly | |
adv.突然地,出其不意地 | |
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77 revelling | |
v.作乐( revel的现在分词 );狂欢;着迷;陶醉 | |
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78 perused | |
v.读(某篇文字)( peruse的过去式和过去分词 );(尤指)细阅;审阅;匆匆读或心不在焉地浏览(某篇文字) | |
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79 bent | |
n.爱好,癖好;adj.弯的;决心的,一心的 | |
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80 raucous | |
adj.(声音)沙哑的,粗糙的 | |
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81 forgeries | |
伪造( forgery的名词复数 ); 伪造的文件、签名等 | |
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82 noted | |
adj.著名的,知名的 | |
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83 defiantly | |
adv.挑战地,大胆对抗地 | |
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84 majesty | |
n.雄伟,壮丽,庄严,威严;最高权威,王权 | |
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85 insolently | |
adv.自豪地,自傲地 | |
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86 recollect | |
v.回忆,想起,记起,忆起,记得 | |
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87 writ | |
n.命令状,书面命令 | |
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88 credence | |
n.信用,祭器台,供桌,凭证 | |
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89 undoubtedly | |
adv.确实地,无疑地 | |
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90 accusations | |
n.指责( accusation的名词复数 );指控;控告;(被告发、控告的)罪名 | |
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91 accusation | |
n.控告,指责,谴责 | |
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92 winced | |
赶紧避开,畏缩( wince的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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93 entirely | |
ad.全部地,完整地;完全地,彻底地 | |
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94 traitors | |
卖国贼( traitor的名词复数 ); 叛徒; 背叛者; 背信弃义的人 | |
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95 gnawing | |
a.痛苦的,折磨人的 | |
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96 moodily | |
adv.喜怒无常地;情绪多变地;心情不稳地;易生气地 | |
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97 testily | |
adv. 易怒地, 暴躁地 | |
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98 procuring | |
v.(努力)取得, (设法)获得( procure的现在分词 );拉皮条 | |
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99 alas | |
int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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100 interfere | |
v.(in)干涉,干预;(with)妨碍,打扰 | |
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101 manor | |
n.庄园,领地 | |
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102 procures | |
v.(努力)取得, (设法)获得( procure的第三人称单数 );拉皮条 | |
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103 aspired | |
v.渴望,追求( aspire的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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104 exclamation | |
n.感叹号,惊呼,惊叹词 | |
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105 astonishment | |
n.惊奇,惊异 | |
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106 hoarsely | |
adv.嘶哑地 | |
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107 saluting | |
v.欢迎,致敬( salute的现在分词 );赞扬,赞颂 | |
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108 clenched | |
v.紧握,抓紧,咬紧( clench的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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109 regiment | |
n.团,多数,管理;v.组织,编成团,统制 | |
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110 meddlesome | |
adj.爱管闲事的 | |
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111 simultaneously | |
adv.同时发生地,同时进行地 | |
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112 mutual | |
adj.相互的,彼此的;共同的,共有的 | |
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113 retired | |
adj.隐退的,退休的,退役的 | |
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114 standing | |
n.持续,地位;adj.永久的,不动的,直立的,不流动的 | |
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115 gasped | |
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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116 worthy | |
adj.(of)值得的,配得上的;有价值的 | |
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117 bribery | |
n.贿络行为,行贿,受贿 | |
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118 pointed | |
adj.尖的,直截了当的 | |
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119 gallows | |
n.绞刑架,绞台 | |
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120 torments | |
(肉体或精神上的)折磨,痛苦( torment的名词复数 ); 造成痛苦的事物[人] | |
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121 vow | |
n.誓(言),誓约;v.起誓,立誓 | |
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122 gasping | |
adj. 气喘的, 痉挛的 动词gasp的现在分词 | |
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123 collapsed | |
adj.倒塌的 | |
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