Part 42 (1/2)
done it, then, dang me--I'll keep my threet, if I shud ha' to swing for it!”
”Done what?”
”Made a fool o' Bet--that's what I meean. What is it 't ye know, Mister Captain? Please to tell me that!”
”Well, then,” replied the tempter, speaking slowly and deliberately--as if to find time for the concoction of some plausible tale. ”For myself, I can't say I know anything--that is, for certain--I have only heard-- altogether by accident, too--that your Maid Marian was seen--out in the woods with a gentleman--and at a very unreasonable hour of the night.”
”What night?” gasped the woodman.
”Let me see! Was it the night of the fete? No. It was the next after--if I remember aright.”
”d.a.m.n her! The very night I war gone over to Rickmans'orth wi' them letters. Augh!”
”I shouldn't have known it was this fellow Holtspur: as the person who gave me the information didn't say it was him. It was only told me that the man--whoever he might be--was dressed in fine velvet doublet, with a beaver and black plumes; but from what I've seen myself, and what you've just now told me, I think it very likely that the black horseman was the individual. It was in the woods--near Stone Dean--where they were seen.
You say he lives there. It looks suspicious, don't it?”
”'Twar him! I know it--I be sure o't. Augh! If I don't ha' revenge on him, and her too! Dang the deceitful s.l.u.t! I will! I will!”
”Perhaps the girl's not so much to blame. He's a rich fellow--this Holtspur, and may have tempted her with his money. Gold goes a great way in such matters.”
”Oh! if't were only money, I could abear it better. No! It an't that, master, it an't that! I'm a'most sure it an't. She's done it, d.a.m.n her!”
”Perhaps we may be mistaken. Things may not have gone so far as you think. At all events, I should advise you to let the girl alone; and confine your revenge to the villain who has wronged her.”
”Him first--him first! And then, if I find she's let herself be made a fool o'--”
”Whether or not, he deserves no thanks from you for having made the attempt.”
”I'll thank him!--I will, whenever I gets the chance. Wait till I gets the chance.”
”If I am not mistaken, you may have that--without waiting long.”
Misinterpreting these words, the woodman glanced towards his axe with a significant and savage leer, that did not escape the keen eye of Scarthe.
”True,” said the latter, in a tone of disapproval, ”you might have _that_ chance almost at any hour. But there would also be a chance of failure, with a considerable risk of your getting run through the ribs.
If what you've told me be as I suspect, there will be no need to resort to such extreme measures. Perhaps I may be able to point out a surer and safer method for you to rid yourself of this rival.”
”Oh! Mister Captain! If you would only do that--only tell me _how_-- I'll--I'll--”
”Have patience! Very likely I may be able to a.s.sist you,” interrupted Scarthe, rising to take his departure. ”I've something in my mind will just suit, I think. But it requires a little reflection--and--some preliminary steps that must be taken elsewhere. I shall return here to-night, after sunset. Meanwhile, stay at home; or, if you go abroad, keep your tongue behind your teeth. Not a word to any one of what has pa.s.sed between us. Take another pull at the flask, to keep up your spirits. Now, Walford, good day to you!”
Having p.r.o.nounced these parting words, the officer walked out of the hut; and, returning to his horse, leaped lightly into the saddle, and rode off--followed by his attendant Withers.
He did not communicate to the latter aught of what had transpired between him and the woodman. The muttered words that escaped him, as he trotted off among the trees, were spoken in a slow, measured soliloquy.
”No doubt one of the very meetings of which his Majesty has spoken so opportunely in his despatch? Richard Scarthe shall make one at this midnight a.s.sembly--uninvited though he be. Ah! if I can only find a fair opportunity to play eavesdropper, I promise Master Holtspur a more substantial dwelling than he now inhabits! Ho! have no fear, kind King Carolus! Right willingly shall I play the spy! Ha! ha! ha!”
Elated by the high hope with which his new-gained knowledge had inspired him, he gave the spur to his grey, while Wapsey's Wood gave back the echoes of his joyous laughter.
Volume Two, Chapter IX.