 CHAPTER XII. After all the other competitors for the prize had assayed a career within the arena, Sir Jocelyn's was held to be the best course run. The ring was again carried off both by the Earl of Pembroke and Lord Mordant. But in the opinion of the marshals of the field, neither of those noblemen displayed so much grace and skill as monchancy, and the decision was confirmed by the king. The applausees which rang through the tilt-yard on the announcement that our handsome young knight had gained the first course increased the bitterness of Buckingham's feelings towards him, and he expressed his regrets in a low tone to Sir Jiles' maupasson that the combat about to take place was not alluntrance instead of being aplaisance. Sir Jiles smiled grimly in reply. Some little time elapsed during which preparations were made for the tilting match, and great excitement pervaded the assemblage. The king laughingly inquired of the Spanish ambassador if he still felt secure of winning his wager, and was answered by De Gondemar that he had never had the slightest misgiving on the subject, but he was now better satisfied than ever that the result of the coming struggle would justify his expectations. In the ladies' gallery an unusual degree of interest was manifested in what was going forward, and many a wish was audibly expressed by many a fair dame in Monchancy's favor. At length the trumpets sounded and the cries of the heralds were heard, cheering on the combatants as they prepared to dash furiously against each other, bidding them do their devoir bravely, since bright eyes looked down upon them. These stimulants to valorous display were scarcely needed, for the champions were eager to prove their prowess. Issuing one by one from beneath their respective scaffolds, and curbing the impatience of their steeds till they received from the marshals permission to start, they rushed from their posts with lightning swiftness to meet with a crashing shock midway. His successes attended the different combatants, but on the whole the advantage laid clearly on the side of the Duke of Lenox, none of whose party had sustained any material discomforture, while on the side of Prince Charles the earls of Montgomery and Rutland had been unhorsed. The interest of the spectators was kept in breathless suspense to the last, it being arranged that the tilting match should close with the conflict between Buckingham and Monchancy. Just when the trumpets sounded for the seventh and last time, and the two knights stationed themselves opposite each other, every eye was intently fixed upon them. Apparently no two antagonists could be better or more equally matched than they were, and throughout the whole field it would have been in vain to search for another pair equally gifted by nature, both being models of manly beauty of feature and symmetry of frame. Indeed they might have been cast in the same mold, so nearly alike were they in its shape and size, and if their armor had been similar and their steeds corresponding in color they would have been undistinguishable when apart. Buckingham in some respects presented the nobler figure of the two, owing to his flowing plumes, his embossed and inlaid armor, and the magnificent housings of his charger, but he was fully rivaled by the grace and chivalrous air of his antagonist. As the Marquis, confident in his address, disdained the use of Passet-Garde, and the Mentunier, Monchancy, abandoned those defenses, though they were used by all the other knights, and placed his reliance in the strength of his breastplate and gorget, and in the force of his right arm. When summoned forth by the trumpets, the two champions executed demi-volts with curvets, and then stood stock still at either end of the barriers. Each then selected a lance from the bundle offered them by the Esquires, and their choice of a weapon made they carefully fastened down their visors, which up to this moment had been raised. Seeing them in readiness, the heralds gave the signal for the encounter. Starting against each other like thunderbolts they met in mid-career. The shock was tremendous, and many a cry sprang from female lips, while bursts of applause arose from the hardier spectators. Both lances were shivered, but the results of the stroke's dealt on either side were widely different. Monchancy maintained his seat firmly in the saddle, though his steed had been forced back upon its haunches by his opponents below, who had touched his gorget. And riding on with all the ease, vigor and grace our young knight had previously exhibited, he threw down the truncheon of his lance, and opened his gauntlet to show that his hand was wholly uninjured. Very differently had it fared with Buckingham, whose defeat was unquestionable. Unhorst and unhelmeted he was rolled in the dust, and as he sprang to his feet had the mortification of hearing the deafening cheers that greeted his adversary's triumph. Eager to hide his confusion he vaulted upon the back of his steed, which was brought to him by an Esquire. The animal's flanks still quivering and reeking from the terrible shock it had undergone, and dashed beneath the scaffold he had so lately quitted. His pride severely humbled. While the crestfallen favorite thus retired to recover himself, Sir Jocelyn rode slowly towards the Royal Gallery. Having now raised his visor his features were fully revealed to view, and perhaps were never seen to such advantage as at this proud and happy moment. His emotions were indeed enviable, but one thing was wanting to complete his satisfaction, the presence of her before whom, of all others, he was most eager to distinguish himself. What mattered it that scarves and kerchiefs were waved to him by some of the fairest dames in the land? What mattered it that his name was called aloud, and that gloves and knots of ribbons fell at his feet as he rode past the Lady's Gallery? His heart was untouched by smile or glance, and he paused not to pick up one of the favors showered upon him. But what means this sudden change in his demeanor? Why does he start and stop, and look inquiringly towards the back of the Gallery? Whom does he discern among that bevy of beauties? Can it be Avalon? And if so, how comes she there? As he pauses, all eyes are fixed upon her towards whom his gaze is directed. There is no difficulty in detecting the object of his regards, for her attire is simpler than that of all the glittering dames around her, and of a sadder hue. Her confusion also betrays her. She would not be seen by him she came to see. She would muffle up her features, but it is too late, and she is not only fully exposed to his view, but to that of a hundred other curious eyes. Though many a high-born damsel marvels at the young knight's insensibility to her own superior attractions, none can deny that the unknown maiden is exquisitely beautiful and demands are eagerly made as to who she may be. No one can answer, and no clue is given by her companion, for the elderly dame by whom she has attended, and who resembles a duena is likewise unknown to all. As soon as Sir Jocelyn recovers his surprise, he requests a favor from the lady of his love, and she cannot refuse him, for immediately all the dames in front of the gallery move aside to let her advance. With her pale cheeks crimsoned with blushes, and her dark eyes flashing with mingled emotions of shame and pleasure, Avalon steps forward, and having no other favor to bestow upon her knight, she gives him her kerchief, which she presses to his lips, and then with a graceful salutation moves forward on his course. This is no time for explanation, and he must be content with his happiness without inquiring how it has been procured for him. The incident, however, has been generally noticed, and causes a good deal of speculation and talk amongst the female portion of the assemblage. There is one individual, however, of the opposite sex, who witnesses it with sentiments different from those by which most of the other observers are affected. This is Sir Giles' mampuson. He, it appears, has not been unaware of Avalon's presence at the jousts, though he did not anticipate its revelation in this manner to Sir Jocelyn, and a bitter smile crosses his lips as he watches the brief interview between the pair. He cares not what transports they indulge in now, nor what hopes they form for the future. He promises himself that he will effectually mar their bliss. A few more bounds of his steed brought Sir Jocelyn to the Royal Gallery, where he dismounted, and leaving his steed in charge of an Esquire, ascended the stairs in company with the marshals of the field, and presently found himself in the presence of the King. James received him very graciously. On the right of the monarch stood the Condit de Gondemare, who smiled on his protégé as he approached, and glanced at a silver coffer full of diamonds, pearls, emeralds, amethysts, and other precious stones, born by an attendant in the gorgeous livery of the Marquis of Buckingham. We greet ye as victor, Sir Jocelyn, said James, as the young knight made a profound obeisance to him, and it rejoices us to say ye had demeaned yourself honorably and fairly in the field. How say ye, sirs, he added to the marshals and others. Shall not the prize of the day be a judge to Sir Jocelyn? It must be so, of right, your Majesty, replied the foremost of them. A better course at the ring could not be run than Sir Jocelyn hath performed, nor could greater advantage be gained in the joust than he hath obtained over the Marquis of Buckingham. All has been done by him in accordance with the rules of honor and without fraud or super-sury. Enough, gentlemen, said James. Count ye have won your wager, and as to you, Sir Jocelyn, ye have proved yourself a very mirror of chivalry. Exemplar antico forturininis et manani nematates. On the pattern of Bayard, the knight without fear and without reproach, and the like of whom we scarce expected to see in these latter days, you are a right wheel entitled to the prize ye have gained, and which his excellency so honorably assigns to you. With your Majesty's permission, I will add the diamond clasp, which I staked against the Marquis's casket of gems, said DeGondemar, and will beseech Sir Jocelyn to wear it as a testimony on my part of his merit as a cavalier. It is scarcely too much to say for him, after his recent brilliant achievements, that he takes rank amongst the foremost of the distinguished knights encircling your Majesty's throne. He takes rank as the first and best, cried James emphatically, since he hath overcome Buckingham, who till this day hath held the chief place among our chivalry. Your Majesty overwhelms me by your commendations, replied Sir Jocelyn, and I can only say in reply that my best energies shall be devoted to your service, whenever and how soever called upon. As to your Excellency's gift, he added to DeGondemar, who had unfassened the glittering clasp and presented it to him, I shall ever guard it as a devotee in your own sunny land of Spain would the most precious relic. The coffer containing the gems was then, upon a sign from the king, delivered to Sir Jocelyn, who as he received it from the attendant, took a string of pearls from it and gave them to the marshal, requesting they might be offered as largesse to the heralds, and the officer promised that the request should be complied with. Having bestowed a similar boon upon each of the marshal's, Monchancy requested that the coffer might be placed in charge of his esquire, and his directions were complied with. Is all concluded, demanded the king. The contest for the prize is necessarily decided, replied the marshal. But there yet remains the combat with the sword on horseback, if it pleases Sir Jocelyn to engage in it. What saith our young knight, demanded the king. Is he willing to risk the laurels he hath so fairly won on another, and it may be more dangerous encounter? What he hath already done may fairly entitle him to decline further hazard if he be so minded. I should ill-deserve your majesty's high commendations if I hesitated for a moment, replied Monchancy. But so far from feeling disinclination to the combat, I should regret if this opportunity for further distinction were denied me. With your majesty's gracious permission, I will pray the marshal's of the field to let it be proclaimed by the heralds, and persevance at arms, that I challenge any true knight to do battle with me with the sword, and on horseback. Ye will fight with the blunted blade, sir Jocelyn, cried the king. We mount hei no risk of life. Our dear dog, Stini, hath had his bonny craig well nigh broken, and we will have name, mare, mischief done. The laws of the tiltyard, with which sir Jocelyn is doubtless well acquainted, observed the marshal, require that the edge of the sword shall be dull, as your majesty hath stated, and that no blow shall be dealt with the point of the weapon. These conditions must be strictly observed. They shall be, replied sir Jocelyn, and I pray you now to do your devoie and make the proclamation. On this the marshal and his followers departed, and sir Jocelyn, bowing reverently to the king, took his way after them and descending the stairs, leaped on the back of his charger. Soon after this, and while his sword, blunted in the manner prescribed, was girded round his waist by his esquire, the trumpets were sounded and the challenge proclaimed by the marshal. It was immediately responded to by a blast from the opposite end of the arena, and a herald stationed at this point called out in a loud voice that the challenge was accepted. Again the excitement rose high among the spectators. Again all eyes were directed toward sir Jocelyn, and again many ardent aspirations were uttered by his numerous fair admirers for his success, though none so fervent as that breathed by Avalon. Sir Jocelyn cast one glance towards that part of the lady's gallery where he knew her to be placed, and then prepared for his last assay. As yet he knew not who was to be his antagonist, but when a knight in sable armor, and with a sable plume upon his helm, rode from beneath the scaffold, he discovered to his great indignation that it was Sir Jocelyn's maupasson. After a moment's reflection he resolved upon a course of action. When the signal for combat was given by the marshal, and Sir Jocelyn's sword in hand dashed into the arena, mansions he rode towards him, but without drawing his sword, and raising himself in the saddle, commanded him in a thundering voice to retire. The impetuosity of Sir Jocelyn's career carried him past his antagonist, but he now wheeled round and regarded mansions he fiercely from beneath the bars of his helmet. "'Ritz Hyer' said you,' he exclaimed. "'Not unless you acknowledge yourself defeated. In my turn I bid you go back to the point you started from, and commence the combat in due form, or I shall hold you vanquished and compel you to abase your crest.' "'Hear me,' cried Sir Jocelyn, and let it be heard by all. I challenged any true knight to the combat, but you answer not to the description. I proclaim you publicly in this place as a false and fallen knight, and declare you utterly unworthy of my sword. Back to your starting place, and if the heralds do their duty, they will hack off your spurs and drive you with shame from the lists. "'And think you I will tamely brook this insult,' roared Sir Giles. "'Draw your sword at once, and let it be a mortal combat between us.' "'Never,' replied Sir Jocelyn, disdainfully. "'I will not stoop to the level of your infamy.' "'Then stoop to earth,' cried Sir Giles, aiming a terrible blow at him with his sword. If the stroke had taken effect as intended, it would probably have made good Mompasson's threat. But Sir Jocelyn was too wary and too agile even for his powerful assailant. Before the sword could descend he seized his adversary's wrist, and in another instant possessed himself of the blade. This he accomplished without injury as the sword was blunted. Still maintaining his grasp of the weapon, he raised himself in his stirrups to give additional force to the blow, and with the pommel of the sword struck Sir Giles a blow upon the brain-pan with such violence that he dropped from the saddle as if shot. During this strange scene not a word had been uttered by the spectators, who looked on with the greatest curiosity, wondering how it would end. As Sir Giles fell from his horse and lay stretched in perfect insensibility on the ground, a tremendous shout was raised, and Sir Jocelyn was as much applauded as if he had performed an extraordinary feat, so universally was the extortioner detested. Nor was there any sympathy manifested when a few moments afterwards Sir Giles was raised from the ground by his persuance, and his helmet being removed exhibited a countenance livid as death, with a stream of blood coursing slowly down his temples. Many would have been well pleased if he had been killed outright, but the churgeon in attendance pronounced that he was only stunned by the blow. End of Chapter 13. Chapter 14 of the Star Chamber and Historical Romance Volume 2. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Star Chamber Volume 2 by William Harrison Ainsworth. Chapter 14, The Private Cabinet of Sir Giles Mompasson. A small room and rendered yet smaller by the numerous chests and strong boxes encroaching upon its narrow limits. In some cases, these boxes are piled one upon another till they touch the ceiling. All of them look stout enough, yet many are further strengthened by iron hoops and broad-headed nails and secured by huge padlocks. The door is cased with iron within and without, and has a ponderous lock of which the master of the room always keeps the key and never trusts it out of his own hand. This small chamber is the private cabinet of Sir Giles Mompasson. No one is permitted to enter it without him. Though his murmidins are fully aware of its existence and can give a shrewd guess at its contents, only two of them have set foot within it. The two thus privileged are Clemente Lanier and Lupo Volpe. Neither the promoter nor the scrivener are much in the habit of talking over their master's affairs, even with their comrades, and are almost as habitually reserved as he is himself. Still, from the few words let fall by them from time to time, the murmidins have picked up a tolerable notion of the private cabinet and of its hidden cupboards in the walls, its drawers with secret springs, its sliding planks with hollows beneath them, its chests full of treasure, or what is the same thing as treasure, bonds, mortgage deeds, and other securities, and its carefully concealed hordes of plate, jewels, and other valuables. Some of the least scrupulous among them, such as staring, hue, cutting dick, and old Tom Wooten, have often discussed the possibility of secretly visiting it and making a perquisition of its stores, but they have been hitherto restrained by their fears of their terrible and vindictive master. On looking into the cabinet we find Sir Giles seated at a table with a large chest open beside him, from which he has taken for examination sundry yellow parchments with large seals attached to them. He is now occupied with a deed on one of the skins of which the plan of an important estate is painted, and on this his attention becomes fixed. His countenance is cadaverous, and its ghastly hue adds to its grimness of expression. A band is tied round his head, and there is an expression of pain in his face, and an air of languor and debility in his manner, very different from what is usual with him. In his plane he has not yet recovered from the effects of the crushing blow he received at the jousts. Opposite him sits his partner Sir Francis Mitchell, and the silence that has reigned between them for some minutes is first broken by the old user. Well, Sir Giles, he inquires, are you satisfied with your examination of these deeds of the Munchency property? The estates have been in the family, as you see, for upwards of two centuries, ever since the reign of Henry IV, in fact, and you have a clear and undisputed title to all the property depicted on that plan, to an old hall with a large park around it, eight miles in circumference, and almost as well stocked with deer as the royal chase of theobalds. And you have a title to other territorial domains extending from Munchency Place and Park to the coast, a matter of 12 miles as the crow flies Sir Giles, and including three manors and a score of little villages. Will not these content you? Me thinks they should. If faith, my worthy partner, when I come to reckon up all your possessions, your houses and lands and your different sources of revenue, the sums owing to you in bond and mortgage, your monopolies and your patents, when I reckon up all these, I say, and add there unto the wealth hoarded in this cabinet, which you have not placed out at usance. I do not hesitate to set you down as one of the richest of my acquaintance. There be few whose revenue is so large as yours, Sir Giles. Tis strange, though I have had the same chance as yourself of making money, I have not a hundredth part of your wealth. Not a witch, strange replied Sir Giles, laying down the deed and regarding his partner somewhat contemptuously. I waste not what I acquire. I have passions as well as yourself, Sir Francis, but I keep them under subjection. I drink not, I riot not, I shun all idle company. I care not for outward show or for the vanities of dress. I have only one passion which I indulge, revenge. You are a slave to sensuality and pamper your lusts at any cost. Let a fair woman please your eye and she must be bought, be the price what it may. No court prodigal was ever more licentious or extravagant than you are. Sir Giles, Sir Giles, I pray you, spare me. My enemies could not report worse of me. Nay, your enemies would say that your extravagance is your sole merit and that therein you are better than I rejoined Sir Giles with his hardonic laugh. But I rejoice to think I am free from all such weaknesses. The various enchantress could not tempt me. I am proof against all female seductions. Think you the damsel lives who can induce me to give for her half these broad lands in Norfolk, this ancient hall and its widespread domains? I trow not. Perchance I have given too much, cried the old user equally. If so, it is not too late to amend our contract. Between us there should be fair dealing, Sir Giles. There is none other than fair dealing on my part, replied the extortioner sternly. And the terms of our agreement cannot be departed from. What I have just said applies to your general mode of life, but you have better reason for your conduct in this instance than is usual with you since you combine the gratification of revenge with the indulgence of your other passions. You obtain a fair young bride and at the same time deprive the person whom you hate most of all others of the mistress of his affections. This is as it should be. Vengeance cannot be too dearly purchased and the more refined the vengeance, the higher must necessarily be the price paid for it. In no way can you so cruelly injure this detested monsoncy as by robbing him of his mistress. And the blow dealt by you shall be followed by others not less severe on my part. I, I, Sir Giles, you have to wipe out the outrage he inflicted upon you in the tiltyard. As I am a true gentleman, that was worse than the indignity I endured from him in the courtyard of the palace. It must be confessed that the villain hath a powerful hand as well as a sharp tongue and follows up his bitter words by bold deeds. The stroke he dealt you with his sword was like a blow from a sledgehammer, Sir Giles. He felled you from your horse as a butcher felleth an ox, and in good truth I at first thought the ox's fate had been yours and that you would never rise again. Your helmet was dinted in as if by a great shot, and for twelve hours and upwards you were senseless and speechless. But thanks to my care and the skill of Luke Hatton, the apothecary who tended you, you have been brought round. After such treatment I cannot wonder that you are eager for revenge upon Sir Jocelyn. How will you deal with him, Sir Giles? How will you deal with him? I will hurl him from the proud position he now holds, replied the other, and amure him in the fleet. While I revel in the bliss he panted to enjoy, cried the old user, or chuckling, take it all together tis the sweetest scheme we ever planned and the most promising, Sir Giles. But when am I to claim Avalon? When shall I make her mine? You shall claim her tomorrow and wed her as soon after as you list. Nay, there shall be no delay on my part, Sir Giles. I am all impatient. When such a dainty repast is spread out before me, I am not likely to be a laggard. But now, to the all-important point on which the whole affair hinges, how am I to assert my claim to her hand? How enforce it when made? Explain that to me, Sir Giles. I beseech you. Readily replied the extortioner. But before doing so, let me give you a piece of information which will surprise you and which will show you that my tenure of this great Norfolk property is not quite so secure as you suppose it. You are aware that Sir Ferdinando Munchancy had a younger brother, Osmond, who disappeared when very young and died it was concluded, interrupted Sir Francis, for he was never heard of more. And it was lucky for us he did so die, or he might have proved a serious obstacle to our seizure of these estates, for I remember it being stated at the time by one of the judges that had he been living he might have procured a reversal of the star chamber sentence upon Sir Ferdinando in his favor. Precisely so, and that judge's opinion was correct, said Sir Giles. Now listen to me, Sir Francis. It is quite true that Osmond Munchancy quitted his home when very young, owing to some family quarrel. But it is not true that he died. On the contrary, I have recently ascertained beyond a doubt that he is still alive. Hitherto I have failed in tracing him out, though I have got a clue to him. But he has enveloped himself in so much mystery that he is difficult of detection. Yet I trust to succeed ere long, and my great business will be to prevent his reappearance, which would be fraught with danger to both of us. I have a scheme on foot in reference to him, which will answer more than one purpose. You will learn it anon. And now to give you the explanation you require in respect to Avalon. And he stamped upon the floor. You are not about to invoke a spirit of darkness to our counsels, said Sir Francis, staring at him in astonishment and alarm. You will see, rejoin the extortioner with a grim smile. After a brief pause, the door was almost noiselessly opened and Clement Lanier entered the chamber. What has Lanier to do with the matter? cried Sir Francis, suspiciously regarding the promoter, who was without his mask. You will hear, replied Sir Giles. Be pleased to inform Sir Francis, good Lanier, how you come to be in a position to demand the hand of Fair Mistress Avalon Countly. He demanded? I understand you not, Sir Giles, exclaimed the old userer. Let him speak, I pray you, Sir Francis. Return the other. You will the sooner learn what you desire to know. End of Chapter 14. Chapter 15 of the Star Chamber, An Historical Romance, Volume 2. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Star Chamber, Volume 2, by William Harrison Ainsworth. Chapter 15. Clement Lanier's Story. My tale shall be briefly told, said Lanier. You are aware, Sir Francis, that in the pursuit of my avocation I am often led into the most dangerous quarters of the Metropolis and at hours when the peril to any honest man is doubled. Adventures have not unfrequently occurred to me when so circumstances, and I have been indebted to my right hand and my good sword for deliverance from many a desperate risk. Late one night I chanced to be in the neighborhood of Whitefriars in a place called the Wilderness. When hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, once the clatter and vociferations resounded and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse. He defended himself gallantly, but the odds were too great and he must have been speedily slain for the villains swore with great oaths they would murder him if he continued to resist them. If I had not come to the rescue, I arrived just in time. They were pressing him hard. I struck down the point of a rapier which was within an inch of his breast, gave the swashbuckler who carried it a riposta he did not expect and sent him off bowling and then addressed myself to the others with such good effect that in a brief space the stranger and I were alone together. I had been slightly wounded in the fray, but I thought nothing of it. A mere scratch. It seemed something more to the gentleman I had preserved. He expressed great concern for me and bound his handkerchief round my arm. I was about to depart, but he detained me to renew his professions of gratitude for the service I had rendered him and his earnest wish that he might be able to requite me. From his discourse and from the text of scripture he mixed up with it, I knew him to be a Puritan and I might have supposed him to be a preacher of the gospel had he not carried a sword and borne himself so manfully in the encounter. However, he left me no doubt on the subject, for he told me he was named Hugh Cowley and that he had served in the wars with more honor to himself than profit. He added that if the knaves had succeeded in their design and robbed and slain him they would have deprived his daughter of her sole protector and, indeed, of all means of sustenance since the little they had would be lost with him. On hearing this a thought struck me and I said to him, you have expressed an earnest desire to requite the service I have just been fortunate enough to render you and as I am well assured your professions are not idly made I shall not hesitate to proffer a request to you. Ask what you will if I have it to give it shall be yours, he replied. You make that promise solemnly and before heaven, I said. I make it solemnly, he replied and to prove to you that I mean it to be binding upon me I will confirm it by an oath upon the Bible and as he spoke he took the sacred volume from his doublet and reverently kissed it. Then I said to him, Sir, you have told me you have a daughter but you have not told me whether she is marriageable or not? He started at the question and answered somewhat sternly. My daughter has arrived at womanhood, but where for the inquiry? Do you seek her hand in marriage? If I did so, would you refuse her to me? A pause ensued during which I observed he was struggling with deep emotion but he replied at last, I could not do so after my solemn promise to you but I pray you not to make the demand. I then said to him, Sir, you cannot lay any restrictions upon me. I shall exact fulfillment of your promise. Your daughter must be mine. Again he seemed to be torn by emotion and a meditative refusal. But after a while he suppressed his feelings and replied, My word is plighted. She shall be yours. I though it cost me my life, she shall be yours. He then inquired my name and station and I gave him a different name from that by which I am known. In fact, I adopted one which chance to be familiar to him and which instantly changed his feelings toward me into those of warmest friendship. As you may well suppose, I did not think fit to reveal my odious profession and though I was unmasked, I contrived so to muffle my hateful visage with my cloak that it was in a great degree concealed from him. After this, I told him that I had no intention of pressing my demand immediately, that I would take my own means of seeing his daughter without her being conscious of my presence and that I would not intrude upon her in any way without his sanction. I used some other arguments which seemed perfectly to satisfy him, and we separated, he having previously acquainted me that he lived at Tottenham. Not many days elapsed before I found an opportunity of viewing his daughter and I found her exquisitely beautiful. I had indeed gained a prize and I resolved that no entreaties on his part or on hers should induce me to abandon my claim. I took care not to be seen by her, being sensible that any impression I might make would be prejudicial to me, and I subsequently learnt from her father that he had not disclosed to her the promise he had been rash enough to make to me. I had an interview with him, the third and last that ever took place between us, on the morning of the day on which he made an attempt upon the life of the king. I rode over to Tottenham and arrived there before daybreak. My coming was expected, and he himself admitted me by a private door into his garden and thence into the house. I perceived that his mind was much disturbed and he told me that he had passed the whole night in prayer. Without equating me with his desperate design, I gathered from what he said that he meditated some fearful act and that he considered his own life in great jeopardy. If he fell and he anticipated he should fall, he committed his daughter to my care and he gave me a written injunction wherein, as you will find, his blessing is bestowed upon her for obedience to him and his curse laid upon her in the event of a breach of duty. Commanding her by all her hopes of happiness hereafter to fulfil the solemn promise he had made me, provided I should claim her hand within a twelve-month of his death, the unfortunate man, as you know, died within two days of that interview, having, as I have since ascertained, reiterated the same solemn charge and in terms equally impressive to his daughter. A strange story truly observed Sir Francis, who had listened attentively to the relation, but though Avalon may consent to be bound by her father's promise to you, I cannot see how Lean enforced the claim. Hugh Calvally, when dying, disclosed no name to his daughter, said Sir Giles. There is no name mentioned in the paper confided by him to Lanier, and possessed of that authority, you will represent the party entitled to make the claim and can act as Lanier would have acted. She will not resist the demand, said the promoter, that I can avouch, for I overheard her declare as much to Sir Jocelyn. If such be the case, I am content, cried the old userer. Give me the authority, he added to Lanier. I have it with me, Sir Francis, rejoined the promoter. But Sir Giles will explain to you that there is something to be done before I can yield it to you. What does he require, asked the old userer, glancing uneasily at his partner. Merely all these title deeds of the Monsoncy Estates in exchange for that paper, replied Sir Giles. Not merely the deeds, said Lanier, but in assignment in your part, Sir Giles, and on your, Sir Francis, of all your joint interest in those estates. I must have them absolutely secured to me and stand precisely as you stand towards them. You shall have all you require, replied Monson. Amazement, exclaimed Sir Francis, can you really mean to relinquish this noble property to him, Sir Giles? I thought I was assigning my share to you, and little dream that the whole estates would be made over in this way. I have told you, Sir Francis, rejoined the other, that vengeance, ample refined vengeance, cannot be too dearly purchased, and you will now perceive that I am willing to pay as extravagantly as yourself for the gratification of a whim. On no other terms than these would Lanyer consent to part with the authority he possesses, which while it will ensure you the hand of Avalon, will ensure me the keenest revenge upon Sir Jocelyn. I have therefore acceded to his terms. Thou hast got a rare bargain, Lanyer, and when the crack-brained Puritan gave thee that paper, he little knew the boon he bestowed upon thee. The exchange would, indeed, seem to be in my favor, Sir Giles, he said, but he may believe me when I say that though I gain these large estates, I would rather have had the damsel. Well, let the business be completed, said Sir Giles, and that it may be so with all dispatch do you, Lanyer, summon Lupo vulp to us. You will find him in his chamber and bid him bring with him the deed of assignment to you of the Monticea states, which he has already prepared, and which only requires my signature and that of Sir Francis. I obey you, Sir Giles, replied Lanyer, departing on the errand. As soon as they were alone, the old user observed to his partner, I am lost in astonishment at what you were about to do, Sir Giles, that I should make a sacrifice for a dainty damsel whose charms are doubled because she should belong to an enemy is not surprising, but that you should give up so easily a property you have so long coveted, I confess, I cannot understand it. A strange smile crossed the extortioners' countenance. And do you really think I would give it up thus, Sir Francis, he said? But if we sign that deed to his, how are you to get it back again? Ask me not how. I have no time for explanation. Recollect what I told you of Osman Monsonci and the possibility of his reappearance. I will not seek to penetrate your scheme, Sir Giles, observed the old user, but I would have you beware of Lanyer. He is cunning and determined. He will scarcely prove a match for me, I think, observe the extortioner. But here he comes. And as he spoke, the promoter again entered the chamber followed by Lupo Vulp with a parchment under his arm. Give me the deed, good Lupo, said Sir Giles, taking it from him. It must be first executed by me. There, and now your signature, Sir Francis, he added, passing the instrument to him. Now thou shalt witness it, Lupo. Tis well, Tis well, he cried, snatching it back again as soon as the scrivener had finished the attestation. All is done in due form. This deed makes you Lord of Monsonci, Lanyer, and he handed it to him. And this makes Sir Francis Mitchell, ruler of the destiny of Avalon Cavalli, rejoined Lanyer, giving a paper to the old user. This chest and its contents are yours also, Lanyer, pursued Sir Giles, putting in the deeds and locking it. Will it please you to take the key? From this moment we cease to be master and servant and become equals and friends. Equals it may be, Sir Giles, cried Lanyer, drawing himself up to his full height and speaking with great haughtiness, but never friends. Ha! What are we then? demanded the extortioner fiercely. Am I mistaken in you? Take heed, you are yet in my power. Not so, Sir Giles, I have nothing to apprehend from you now, replied Lanyer, but you have much to fear from me. So sane and placing the parchment within his doublet, he hastily quitted the chamber. Perdition, have I been outwitted? cried Sir Giles, but he shall not escape me. And rushing after him, he called from the head of the great staircase. What ho! Captain Blutter! And ye, Tom Wooten, and cutting dick! Let not Lanyer go forth! Stay him, and take from him the deed which he hath placed in his doublet, cut him down, or stab him if he resists. But though efforts were made to obeys Sir Giles' commands, their promoter affected his retreat. End of Chapter 15. Chapter 16 of the Star Chamber, an historical romance, Volume 2. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox. The Star Chamber, Volume 2, by William Harrison Ainsworth. Chapter 16 Sir Jocelyn's Rupture with the Gondemar. Far and wide echoed the report of Sir Jocelyn's brilliant achievements at the Jousts. And wherever he went, he was hailed as vanquisher of the hitherto unconquered Buckingham. He bore his honors meekly, yet he did not escape Calumny, for at a court, as everywhere else, distinguished success is certain to awaken a spirit of envy and detraction. These paltry feelings, however, were entirely confined to the disappointed of his own sex. By fair and more impartial judges who had witnessed his exploits, he was spoken of in terms of unmingled admiration. And at the grand revel at Whitehall that followed the Jousts, many a soft glance told him how tenderly the gentle heart, whose feelings it betrayed, was inclined towards him. Faithful, loyal, and chivalrous, our young knight was as much proof against these lures as against the pruder attacks of his armed opponents in the lists. And his constancy to the lady of his love remained entirely unshaken. Far rather would he have been with Aveline in her humble dwelling than in those superb, festal halls surrounded by all that was noble and beautiful, all that was dangerous and delusive. Far rather would he have received one smile from her, one kindly look, than all the blandishments showered upon him by these enchantresses. Fain would he have avoided the banquet, but as the hero of the day he was compelled to attend it. Indeed, he had to enact a principal part at the revel, and so well did he play it that compliments were lavished upon him, enough to have turned an ordinary head. Not from any desire for ostentatious display, but because Prince Charles had signified to him his wishes on the subject, he was arrayed in all the pearls and ornaments he had won from Buckingham, and more than once subtle courier, anxious to stand well with him, flatteringly declared that they became him infinitely better than the Marquis. Others, less favorably disposed, remarked that his gem-bedecked doublet was like the garment of Nessus and would cause its wearer's destruction, and if they could have read Buckingham's secret thoughts, when he beheld his rival so adorned, they would have felt that the observation was not unwarranted. But though fully determined upon revenge, Buckingham allowed neither look nor word to betray his purpose. On the contrary, he displayed more than his usual affability to monchancy, laughed at his own ill luck, and even went so far as to say that Sir Giles Mompasson had been rightly served, adding that he blamed himself for including him in his party, and was glad Sir Jocelyn had handled him so rudely. Though our young knight might well doubt Buckingham's sincerity, he replied to all his courtly speeches in similar terms, and the greatest cordiality appeared to subsist between them. Enchanted with this show of friendship, the king endeavored to promote it by keeping them near him throughout the evening, leading them to converse together and fawning upon them, as was his way with those he highly favored. All this could not fail to be satisfactory to monchancy, but he was far more pleased with the notice of Prince Charles who treated him with marked consideration. Next morning, in compliance with an invitation to that effect he had received at the revel, Sir Jocelyn repaired to Elly House, in Holborn, the residence of the Spanish ambassador, and was at once admitted to his presence. They were alone, and after a few preliminary observations upon the events of the previous day, Degondamar remarked, I think I have already afforded you abundant proof of my friendly feeling toward you, Sir Jocelyn, but I will not stop with what I have done. My power of serving you is greater than you may imagine it to be. I can lead you yet higher and put you in a firmer position. In a word, I can place you on a level with Buckingham, perchance above him, if your ambition soars so high. Monchancy endeavored to express his deep sense of gratitude to the ambassador, and regretted his small means of requiting the numerous and important favors he had received from him. I will tell you what to do, said Degondamar. You can procure me certain information which I desire to obtain. By my instrumentality you have, in some degree, already obtained the King's confidence, and ere long are sure to become the depository of many important state secrets. These you shall communicate to me, and you must also use your best endeavors to win Prince Charles over to the Church of Rome. Is this proposal seriously made to me count? demanded Monchancy, looking at him with astonishment, mingled with displeasure. Unquestionably it is serious, perfectly serious, replied Degondamar. I ask you only to serve me as a certain young nobleman of your acquaintance serve me before he was compelled to fly from England to avoid the consequences of a quarrel with his wife's family. Your opportunities will be greater than his, and therefore your service will be more valuable. I regret that such disloyalty should be laid at the charge of any English noble, said Sir Jocelyn Stirley. But think not, because Lord Ruse played the spy and traitor as your excellently continuates he did, that I will be guilty of like baseness. Up to this moment I have felt nothing but gratitude to you for the favors you have heaped upon me. But the feeling has changed to resentment when I understand they are to be purchased at the price of my honor. I cannot exceed to your wishes count. You must seek out some other tool. I can be none in your hands. If this be real and not affected indignations, Sir Jocelyn said to Degondamar coldly, it would seem that I have been altogether mistaken in you and that I have been helping you up the ladder only to be kicked aside when you have gained a secure footing. But you have not reached the last step yet and never will unless I find you more reasonable and allow me to ask you if you are as scrupulous as you profess to be, how you came to bring a token to me from a hired spy, a token intended to let me know you were willing to undertake any secret service I might choose to confide to you, have you changed your mind since then or rather, do you not fancy yourself out of danger and able to dispense with my assistance. I have ever been of the same opinion count, have ever been influenced by the same feelings of loyalty and devotion to my sovereign and of detestation of all reasonable practices. Had I been aware of the import to the ring I showed your excellency on our first meeting, I would have hacked off my finger rather than have displayed it. Neither did I know the character of the man who confided it to me, though I ought to have distrusted him. He has played us both false and for what end I cannot divine. I will solve the riddle for you, sir. He thought to serve you, said to Gondamar. And he has done so and most effectually, though you are now unwilling to admit it. I have good reason to complain of him. You have done. I have more reason for complaint than your excellency, rejoined Monshenci. He has placed me in a most painful and perplexing position. There you are right, sir, said to Gondamar. No matter how arrived at, you are in a position from which you cannot extricate yourself with honor. However disinclined you may be to act in concert with me, you have no other alternative. If I withdraw my support from you, your fall is inevitable. Think not, I talk lightly. You are surrounded by enemies, though you discern them not. Buckingham's magnanimous conduct at the revel last night was feigned to mask his purposes towards you. He has not forgiven his defeat and means to avenge it. You fancy yourself on the high road to preferment, but you are on the verge of disgrace and ruin. I alone can save you. Choose, then, between compliance with my wishes, coupled with present protection and future advancement, and the consequences certain to attend your refusal. Choose, I say, between my friendship and my enmity. My answer shall be as prompt and decisive as your proposal count, replied Sir Jocelyn. I at once reject a friendship fettered with such conditions, and that I do not resent the affront put upon me in your dishonorable proposal must be set down to the obligations you have imposed upon me, which tie up my hands. But we are now quits, and if any further indignity be offered me, it will not be so lightly borne. Perdona vuestra merce. We are not quits, cried Dagonamar quickly. The account between us is far from settled, nor will I rest content till you have paid me in full. But we had better break off this interview, he added, more calmly, since no good is like to result from it. It is useless to reason with you, but you are wantonly throwing away a fairer opportunity than falls to the lot of most men, and will see your folly when too late. In taking my leave of your Excellency, as there are no terms henceforth to be observed between us, except those of hostility, I deem it right to state that though I shall make no special reference to yourself, I shall hold it my duty to acquaint his majesty with the system of espionage introduced into the palace, and above all, I shall take care to guard the prince against the insidious snares laid for him. It is a pity so faithful a counselor as yourself should not be listened to, rejoined Dagonamar. Yet, when I shut the doors of the palace against you, as I will do, you will find it difficult to obtain a hearing either from prince or king. In spite of all your efforts to the contrary, I shall learn any state secrets I desire to know, and I have great hopes of winning over Charles Stewart to the faith for which his lovely and martyred Ancestras died. One more word at parting, Sir Jocelyn. You will remember when we first met, you were in danger from the star chamber. It would be useless now to say how I saved you from the punishment your rashness had incurred. How, while aiding you with the king, I kept aloof your enemies, Mompesson and Mitchell, who were prepared to attach your person for contempt of that terrible court, and would have done so if I had not prevented them. The warrant for your arrest still exists, and can be employed at any moment. So you will consider how long you can count upon your freedom now that you have no strong arm to protect you. I have my own arm to trust to, rejoined Sir Jocelyn resolutely, and have no apprehensions. Vaya usted con Dios, said the Spaniard, bowing him out, or should I rather say he added to himself, Vaya mucho en mala hora. End of Chapter 16 Chapter 17 of the Star Chamber and Historical Romance, Volume 2 This is a LibriVox recording. A LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Deon Jines, Salt Lake City, Utah. The Star Chamber and Historical Romance, Volume 2 by William Harrison Ainsworth Chapter 17 Disgrace Sir Jocelyn was not without great uneasiness at the result of his interview with DeGondemire. Had it been possible, he would have avoided a rupture with so influential a personage, an event to be dreaded at any time, but especially so at a juncture like the present when dangers menaced him on all sides and the only question appeared to be from what side the first blow would come. His chief anxiety, however, was for Avalyn, whose position was one of such strange and imminent peril against which he knew not how to guard her. He was still left in the same state of uncertainty as to who would be the claimant of her hand, for the mysterious personage in the mask had not appeared again, according to his promise after the jowths. This suspense was terrible and Sir Jocelyn found it so difficult of endurance that he would have preferred the actual presence of the calamity by which he was threatened. His fears were that the claim he's so much dreaded would be made by Sir Giles' mom-pesson in person and in that case he had determined forcibly to resist him and this supposition might account for the delay since he knew that Sir Giles was suffering severely from the effects of the blow he had dealt him in the tilt yard. Degondemars were not idle threats as Sir Jocelyn soon found. On the next day as he entered the palace he was informed by the Lord Chamberlain that he was deprived of his office of gentleman of the bed chamber and when he demanded the reason of his sudden dismissal the Duke of Lenox with a shrug of the shoulders declared he was unable to afford him any information but what the Duke refused was afforded by Degondemars who at that moment entered the corridor in company with Buckingham and some other nobles on his way to the presence chamber. On seeing his late protege the ambassador halted for a moment and with a smile of triumph said you owe your dismissal to me Sir Jocelyn I have made some few circumstances concerning you that had just come to my ears known to his majesty and as he does not choose to have spies about his person he has released you from all further attendance upon him in a word he has forbidden your attendance again at the palace added Buckingham who had paused likewise with an insulting laugh I must to the king your grace cried Sir Jocelyn to the Lord Chamberlain I will explain the falsehood of this charge to his majesty and show him who is the spy and traitor he has to fear you cannot pass Sir Jocelyn said the Duke of Lenox placing himself in his way while two halberdeers advanced to bar his passage with their partisans I say not a word as to the cause of your disgrace but I may tell you that his majesty is greatly offended with you and that it would be highly imprudent to approach him in his present frame of mind even were it permitted you to do so which it is not as I have said you are deprived of your office and enjoined to absent yourself from the palace till it shall be his majesty's pleasure to recall you and that is not likely to be soon the case a count observed Buckingham with a laugh not very likely indeed Marquis said the ambassador I much regret that I have been the means of introducing so unworthy a person to his majesty but I have made all the amends in my power must I tamely endure all these insults and column knees your grace cried Sir Jocelyn furiously if you will be guided by me you will retire rejoin the Duke of Lenox or the provocation you will receive may induce you to do some desperate act which may render your position worse and put your restoration to the king's favor entirely out of the question while Sir Jocelyn was debating whether he should comply with the Duke's advice the door of the present chamber was thrown open and James coming forth from it marched slowly along the corridor our young knight now fondly hoped that the king might deign to look upon him and so enable him to plead his cause and perhaps the Lord Chamberlain himself entertained similar expectations for he did not insist upon Sir Jocelyn's withdrawal but allowed him to remain within the corridor though he was kept aloof by the halberd ears but both were disappointed James no doubt designedly bestowed his most gracious marks of condescension on Buckingham and Degondamar and lingered for a few minutes to laugh and talk with them after this as he was passing Sir Jocelyn he pretended to notice him for the first time and observed in a tone of reproof to the Lord Chamberlain what doth the spy hear my Lord Duke I thought you had our orders concerning him see they are better obeyed in future and when the young knight would have spoken he interrupted him by an imperious gesture crying out not a word Sir not a word we will hear not more from ye we have heard our Mikkel already and he passed on thus was mountain seas disgrace accomplished by his enemies end of chapter 17 chapter 18 of the Star Chamber and historical romance volume 2 this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Deon Giants Salt Lake City, Utah the Star Chamber and historical romance volume 2 by William Harrison Ainsworth chapter 18 how Sir Jocelyn's cause was espoused by the apprentices stung almost to madness by the sense of intolerable wrong our young knight quitted Whitehall never as he imagined at the moment to enter the palace again yet he was not humiliated by his disgrace because he felt it to be holy and merited his enemies had triumphed over him but he would not have heeded the defeat provided he could efface the foul stigma cast upon his reputation and rebut the false charge brought against him by Degondamar with a heart overflowing with rage and bitterness and with a thousand wild projects passing through his brain Sir Jocelyn took a boat at Whitehall Stairs and ordered the watermen to row down the river without assigning any particular place of landing after a while he succeeded to a certain extent in controlling his angry emotions and as the watermen rested on their oars for a moment to inquire his destination he looked round and perceiving he was just opposite the three cranes in the ventry he desired to be put ashore there no better retreat wherein to recover his composure seemed to offer itself than Madame Bonaventure's comfortable house of entertainment and thither therefore he proceeded and at his request was shown into a private room overlooking the river scarcely was he installed within it than the buxom hostess who had caught sight of him as he mounted the stairs entered and in her blandest accents and with her most bewitching smiles begged to know his commands declaring that all her house possessed was at his service she was running on thus but perceiving the young knight to be much disturbed she instantly changed her tone and expressed such genuine concern for him that he could not fail to be moved by it without making her an entire confidant Sir Jocelyn told her enough of what had occurred to make her comprehend his position and highly indignant she was at the treatment he had experienced she did her best to console him and so far succeeded that he was prevailed upon to partake of some delicacies which she caused Cyprian to set before him together with a flask of the best vintage in her cellar and the discussion of these good things coupled with the hostesses as the deities certainly operated as a balm upon his wounded feelings the repast over the good natured game thought it best to leave him to himself and drawing his chair to the open window he began to ruminate upon the many strange events that had happened to him since he first beheld that fair prospect almost from the same place and he was indulging in this retrospect when his own name pronounced in tones familiar to him caught his ear and looking forth he perceived Dick Taverner seated on a bench in front of the house drinking in company with some half dozen other apprentices his boon companions the conversation of these roisterers was held in so loud a key that it could not fail to reach his ears and he soon ascertained that his own dismissal from court was the theme of their discourse and that they rightly attributed it doubtless owing to information derived from their hostess to the instrumentality of Degondemar it was evidently Dick Taverner's design to rouse the indignation of his companions and he had little difficulty in accomplishing his purpose as they were all composed of very inflammable material and prone to take fire on the slightest application of the match Dick denounced the plotting and perfidious Spaniard as a traitor to the king and a subverter of the Protestant faith and counsel vengeance upon him finding Dick's suggestions eagerly caught up by his companions and that the number of his listeners was momentary increasing while all were becoming excited by what the orator uttered Sir Jocelyn apprehensive that Mischief might ensue thought it right to interfere and accordingly leaning forward from the casement he made himself known to the group below unseeing him and learning who he was the apprentices began to shout and to claim vehemently against the Spanish ambassador and instigated by Dick Taverner who refused to listen either to the entreaties or commands of the young knight the whole party seized their cudgels and dispersing themselves in different directions vociferated as they went clubs, clubs it was now as vain to arrest them as it would have been to stop the course of a conflagration and Sir Jocelyn was deploring the damage which must necessarily be done to his cause by these injudicious friends when Dick Taverner with a look of exultation and brandishing his cudgel burst into the room crying we have heard all from Madame Bonaventure we have heard of Degondemar's perfidity and his majesty's injustice we will set you right the bold London apprentices have taken your cause in hand and will avenge you they will hang the treacherous Spaniard and burn his house Harkie my good friend Dick Taverner said Sir Jocelyn this must not be because I have been unjustly treated and may per chance find it difficult if not impossible to obtain redress it does not follow that you and your fellow apprentices are to violate the law these riotous proceedings will prejudice my cause rather than aid it and if you have any regard for me you will use your influence with your comrades to check them ere mischief ensue impossible exclaimed Dick the matter has gone too far to be stopped now you might as well attempt to turn back a mildam that has burst its bounds as the headstrong London apprentices when they have taken up their cudgels go through with the business they will this is not the only quarrel we have with Degondemar we hate him for his insolence and arrogance which have been often displayed towards us we hate him because he is the sworn enemy of our religion and would subvert it if he could as regards myself I have my own particular reasons for hating him do not you meddle with the affair but leave its arrangement to us but I must interfere cried Sir Jocelyn if you act thus in spite of all my remonstrances I must regard you in the light of enemies rather than friends and shall lend my help to quell the disturbance you will occasion be ruled by me good Dickon and desist from it call in your comrades who are raging about like savage dogs broken loose if they be dogs rejoined Dick with a laugh the Spanish ambassador is likely enough to become acquainted with their teeth but I might whistle loudly enough to them before the staunch hounds would come back to me and in good soothe I have no inclination to obey your commands in this instant Sir Jocelyn so saying and fearing he might be detained altogether if he waited longer he darted out of the room and presently afterwards was her shouting along the wharf with the loudest of his riotous companions no papus no Spanish spies clubs clubs Sir Jocelyn saw that a storm was roused which it would be very difficult to allay but an effort must be made to do so even if he were compelled to act against his friends and he was about to follow the apprentice into the street when he was prevented by the sudden entrance of a tall personage wrapped in a black cloak and masked whom he at once recognized as the individual who had given him the token to Degondamar I am glad to have found you Sir Jocelyn said this personage I have been on the lookout for you to give you a warning avoid any place you have been in the habit of frequenting and above all go not near Avalon's dwelling the officers of the star chamber are on the watch for you and if found your arrest is certain I can place little reliance on ought you tell me sir rejoined Sir Jocelyn after the trick you played me in causing me to deliver that ring to the Conde Degondamar nothing you can say shall hinder me from going forth as I am accustomed to do and it is my purpose to proceed ere long to the dwelling you specially cautioned me to avoid you will repent your rashness young sir said the other but I pray you not to go forth till you have heard certain disclosures which I have to make to you and which I am well assured will induce you to alter your opinion of me I can put no faith in the statements of a hireling base enough to play the spy for an enemy of his country rejoined Sir Jocelyn scornfully stand aside sir your employer Degondamar is in danger from these hotheaded apprentices and if you owe him any gratitude for past favors you may find occasion for its display now what are you about to take part with your enemy and against your friends these apprentices are about to redress your wrongs in a lawless manner it is true but the circumstances justify their conduct no circumstances can justify outrage and violation of the law said Sir Jocelyn and if injury be attempted against Degondamar I must defend him this is mere madness cried the other stay and hear what I have to say to you it imports you much to know it not now replied Sir Jocelyn pushing past him on some other occasion you are throwing life and liberty away Sir Jocelyn and to no purpose cried the other he heeds me not he added in a tone of deep disappointment imprudent that he is he will thwart all the plans I have formed for his benefit and at the very moment they have arrived at maturity I must follow and protect him and he too rushed down the stairs and made all the haste he could across the ventry wharf after Sir Jocelyn who was hurrying up a narrow thoroughfare communicating with Tame Street here a numerous body of apprentices were already collected holding a consultation as to their plan of attack after listening to a brief but stirring harangue from Dick Taverner who got upon a horse block for the purpose of addressing them and recommended them to proceed to Eli House in Holborn the residence of the offending ambassador and there await his return from Whitehall they approved of his proposal and unanimously electing Dick as their leader set forth on their expedition gathering strength as they went along by the time they reached Blackfriars they numbered many hundreds little or no interruption was offered them on their route and the slight hindrance they encountered from a detachment of the city watch was speedily overborn skirting Bridewell they traversed Shoe Lane and ascending Holborn Hill found themselves in the vicinity of Eli House where they came to a halt and arranged their forces and of Chapter 18 Chapter 19 of the Star Chamber and Historical Romance Volume 2 This is a LibriVox recording a LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Dion Giants Celtic City, Utah The Star Chamber and Historical Romance Volume 2 by William Harrison Ainsworth Chapter 19 A Noble Revenge Nothing could be pleasanter than the situation of the Spanish Ambassador's residence surrounded as it was by noble gardens but its beauties seemed now likely to be devastated by the blind fury of the apprentices much mischief would indeed have been done in a very short time if it had not been for their leader he authoritatively commanded them to refrain from the work of demolition till they had settled accounts with the ambassador himself who might be expected each moment as they had ascertained that he was on his way home from the palace the information they had received proved to be correct and ere many minutes elapsed a magnificent litter borne by eight stout violets and attended by several gentlemen and pages in the well-known liveries of Degondemar was seen to pass through whole-born bars and advance towards them very soon however the bearers of the litter halted surprised and alarmed at the sight of the crowd investing Eli House but Degondemar who had no apprehension commanded them to proceed and they reluctantly obeyed the apprentices allowed the litter to come on till they could surround it when they had set up a loud shout making it evident that mischief was intended on this the gentlemen and pages in attendance upon the ambassador drew their swords and put themselves into a posture of defense endeavoring to keep off the crowd but their resistance was of little avail the apprentices clubs quickly shivered their weapons and drove them back when he became aware of the jeopardy in which he stood Degondemar anxious to gain time in the hope that assistants might arrive demanded of the leader of the furious looking crew who had drawn aside the curtains of his litter and ordered him in insolent tones to come forth why they molested him the individual appealed to replied that having heard of his infamous usage of Sir Jocelyn Mountain Sea and of the false accusation he had brought against him to the king they were determined to inflict upon his excellency the punishment due to public and notorious slanderers and by what right do you constitute yourselves my judges cried Degondemar take heed what you do you may bring yourselves within reach of a halter you hear what he says brother Prentice's cried Dick Taverner he threatens to hang us and no doubt if he could carry out his schemes and bring back the pope's authority he would burn us in Smithfield as they did the holy martyrs in Mary's days he has charged a true and loyal subject of his majesty with being a spy in return we tell him he is the worst of spies a spy employed by the pope and we will teach him the danger of his employment hands off base violets exclaimed Degondemar endeavoring to shake himself free from the rude grasp imposed upon him but in spite of his resistance he was dragged from the litter while a shower of blows from the Prentice's cudgels fell upon his shoulders and it is probable he would have experienced much severe treatment if indeed he had escaped with life if at this moment Sir Jocelyn Mountain Sea soared in hand and followed by Cleyman Lanier had not burst through the throng ha as I suspected cried Degondemar you Mountain Sea are the author and instigator of this outrage and are come to see that your tools do their work properly it is false cried Dick Taverner your excellency judges of others by yourself Sir Jocelyn would have checked us if he could I cannot be expected to believe such an assertion as this cried Degondemar incredulously let my action speak for me cried Mountain Sea friends he called out it is undoubtedly true that I have good ground of complaint against the Khande Degondemar that he has deeply injured me and that I will compel him to make me reparation in due season but I cannot permit outrage to be offered him and if ought further be attempted my arm will be raised in his defense how can this be possible exclaimed Degondemar in surprise why we are fighting Sir Jocelyn's battles and he turns round upon us cried a burly prentice while loud murmurs arose from the others and the cudgels were again brandished menacingly leave him to us Sir Jocelyn said Dick Taverner I he had better not interfere or he will come in for his share of the blows roared several voices I care not what befalls me shouted Mountain Sea you shall not injure a hair of his excellencies head while I stand by and as he spoke he warded off several blows aimed at the ambassador I am with you Sir Jocelyn said Clément Lanier clearing a space around them with his long rapier but avoiding so far as possible doing injury to the prentices at this critical juncture and when it seemed likely that owing to his chivalrous interference Sir Jocelyn would share the ambassador's fate he being fairly resolved as he showed to defend him with his life a cry was raised that a body of the royal guards were approaching and as the trampling of horse accompanied by the clatter of swords left no doubt of the fact and as moreover the bold prentices felt no disposition to encounter regular soldiery they instantly abandoned their prey and took to their heels the chief part of them leaping the hedge which then grew along the north side of Holborn and scouring off through the fields in every direction some half dozen were made prisoners by the guard and amongst these we regret to state was the leader of the riotous assembly Dick Taverner now art likely to make acquaintance with the pillory and the cart's tail if not with the hangman friend said the soldier who secured him with a laugh so I begin to fear replied Dick alack and well a day what will become of Jillian and that be thy mistress's name friend you should have thought of her before you engaged in this disturbance you are likely now to part company with her forever while Dick lamented the predicament in which he had placed himself the Condé de Gondemare freed from all apprehension turned toward his deliverer and proffering him his hand said you have nobly revenged yourself Sir Jocelyn I trust we may be friends once more I will make you ample reparation for the wrong I have done you but the young knight folding his arms upon his breast sternly replied when reparation is made count I may accept your hand but not till then at least enter my house urged the ambassador where you will be protected from arrest do not hesitate Sir Jocelyn subjoined Lanier you are in great peril but the young knight haughtily refused I will not owe an asylum to you count he said till my name be cleared from reproach and with a proud salutation he departed the Spanish ambassador shrugged his shoulders and looked after him with mingled admiration and contempt he then turned to the promoter and said come in with me Lanier I have somewhat to say to you I must pray your excellency to excuse me just now replied the other I have business on hand and bowing with nearly as much haughtiness as Sir Jocelyn he followed in the course taken by the young knight end of chapter 19 chapter 20 of the star chamber and historical romance volume 2 this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Dion Jones Salt Lake City, Utah the star chamber and historical romance volume 2 by William Harrison Ainsworth chapter 20 a place of refuge after quitting DeGondemare as before related Sir Jocelyn hurried along Holborn with the intention of proceeding to Avalon's Cottage which was at no great distance from Eli House though in a secluded situation withdrawn from the road and he was just about to strike into the narrow lane leading to it when he was arrested by the voice of Clément Lanier who had followed him unobserved stay Sir Jocelyn I beg of you cried the promoter coming quickly up to him you are rushing on certain destruction you must not go nigh that cottage today no nor for several days to come foes are lying in ambush around it and the only spectacle you will afford her you love will be that of your arrest there was an earnestness in the speaker's manner that could not fail to carry conviction of his sincerity to the breast of his hearer by my soul I speak the truth said Lanier perceiving the impression he had made as you will find if you go many steps further place yourself in my hands and I will save you what motive can you have for acting thus demanded Sir Jocelyn what interest do you take in me do not question me now you shall have full explanation hereafter be satisfied I am a friend perchance your best friend come with me and I will take you to a place of safety but what is to happen to Avalon cried the young knight in deep anxiety I will endeavor to watch over her replied the promoter and I trust no harm will befall her at all events you will deprive yourself of the power of rendering her any protection if you are rash enough to go forward now struck by the force of these remarks our young knight felt he had no alternative but to submit to circumstances and he accordingly agreed to accept the aid proffered him by his mysterious friend but it was not without feelings of intense anguish that he turned away from the path leading to the little secluded cottage containing all he held dear and followed his conductor who seemed resolved to allow him no time for further hesitation but proceeding at a rapid pace towards the west till he reached broad St. Giles then a rural village and entered a small tavern bearing the sign of the Rose and Crown the landlord of which appeared to have an understanding with the promoter for at a sign from him he immediately ushered his guests into a chamber upstairs and without saying a word left them alone together here you will be secure and undisturbed said Lanier and all your wants will be cared for by my trusty ally Barnabas Bottler but for your own sake you must consent to remain a close prisoner till I bring you word that you may go forth with safety I must now leave you having much to do and must defer the explanations I designed to give you to a more convenient season be not uneasy if you should not see me for a few days as circumstances may prevent my coming to you when I next appear I trust it may be to bring you good tidings till then farewell and without waiting for any reply from Sir Jocelyn he hastily departed left alone our young knight did the best he could to reconcile himself to the strange situation in which he was placed he was naturally full of anxiety both on his own account and on that of Avalon yet on calm reflection he felt satisfied he had acted for the best and that in accepting the protection of the mysterious individual who seemed bent upon directing his fortunes he had followed the dictates of prudence Barnabas Bottler attended him in person and suffered no one else to come near him but though the worthy host seemed anxious to anticipate his wants in every particular his manner was reserved and in Sir Jocelyn's opinion he had something of the look of a jailer and this notion was strengthened when he found himself locked in his room probably this was only done as a precautionary measure by the host and as the window was at no great height from the ground and he could descend from it when he chose he gave himself no great concern about the matter in this way three days passed by without anything occurring to break the monotony of his wearisome confinement not even a visit from Clément Lanier to Sir Jocelyn's inquiries concerning him the host professed utter inability to give a precise answer but said that he might arrive at any moment as he did not appear however on the fourth day Sir Jocelyn's patients got quite worn out and his uneasiness respecting Alvaline having become insupportable he determined at all hazards on visiting her cottage without acquainting the host with his intention or asking to have the door unfastened he opened the window which looked into a garden at the back of the house and spring from it his furtive departure did not appear to be noticed and he soon gained the road and took the direction of Alvaline's dwelling End of Chapter 20 Chapter 21 of The Star Chamber and Historical Romance Volume 2 This is a LibriVox recording A LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Dion John's Salt Lake City, Utah The Star Chamber and Historical Romance Volume 2 by William Harrison Ainsworth Chapter 21 The Arrest As he approached the cottage a heavy presentiment of ill seized Sir Jocelyn the place seemed to have lost its customary smiling air no fair countenance beamed upon him from the casement no light footsteps were heard hastening to the door no one opened it to give him welcome could Alvaline have fled or had some dire misfortune happened to her suspense was worse than certainty of ill and after a moment's hesitation he raised the latch and with trembling footsteps crossed the threshold she was gone he could no longer doubt it the disordered appearance of the chamber in which he found himself with its furniture scattered about seemed to tell of a struggle and a forcible abduction nevertheless though expecting no answer he called forth her name in accents of wildest despair she came not to his cries neither she nor her companion Dame Sherbourne nor her faithful attendant old Anthony Rock all were gone the house was indeed desolate still clinging to hope he flew upstairs but could find no traces there of any of the inmates of the dwelling and with a heart now completely crushed he descended to the chamber he had just quitted here he found Clémont Lanier surveying the scene of confusion around him with a stern and troubled look Sir Jocelyn instantly rushed up to him and seizing him by the arm fiercely demanded what had become of Alvaline she is in the hands of Sir Francis Mitchell replied the promoter shaking him off and for odd I know may be wedded to him by this time wedded almost shrieked the young man impossible she would never consent and he would not dare to have recourse to violence though he might not his partner Sir Giles Mom Pesson would have no such scruples returned the promoter but perhaps you are right and Alvaline's determined resistance may intimidate them both so that they may abandon their design I hope so for your sake and for hers also but I have my fears you know more than you choose to avow Sir said Sir Jocelyn sternly and as you value your life I command you to speak plainly and tell me what has happened and where I shall find Alvaline so commanded by any other than yourself Sir Jocelyn rejoined the promoter I would not speak but to you I say as I have before declared that Alvaline is undoubtedly in the power of Sir Francis Mitchell and that it will rest entirely with herself whether she escapes him or not and you have caused me to be detained while she has been carried off exclaimed Sir Jocelyn furiously fool that I was to trust you you are in league with the villains think of me what you please and say what you will you shall not anger me rejoined the promoter I discovered your flight from the place of refuge I had procured for you and guessing where you had come followed you hither your danger is not past vainly will you seek Sir Francis Mitchell you will not find him but you will find a sergeant at arms with a star chamber warrant for your arrest to this you can offer no resistance and what will follow I will tell you immediate incarceration in the fleet prison and when safely lodged there how may I ask are you to liberate Alvaline I must trust to chance replied Sir Jocelyn I can no longer place any reliance upon you stand aside and let me pass I would not harm you you cannot injure one whose intentions are friendly to you as mine are listen to me and let what I have to say sink deeply into your breast do anything rather than render yourself amenable to the accursed tribunal I have named abandoned mistress friend relative all who are near and dear to you if they would bring you within its grasp and do you venture to give me this shameful counsel do you think I will attend to it cried Sir Jocelyn I am sure you will if you hear me out and you shall hear me the promoter exclaimed with so much authority that the young man however impatient could not refuse attention to him look me in the face Sir Jocelyn regard me well behold these ineffecable marks made by the heated iron and the sharpened knife how came they there from a sentence of the star chamber and as my offense was the same as yours so your sentence will correspond with mine your punishment will be the same as mine branding and mutilation ha I perceive I have touched you now what was your offense unhappy man asked Sir Jocelyn averting his gaze from the hideous aspect which now lighted up with mingled emotions of rage and despair had become absolutely appalling the same as your own as I have said replied the other a few hasty words impugning the justice of this vindictive court better had I cut out my tongue than have given utterance to them but my case more nearly resembled yours than I have yet explained for like you I had incurred the displeasure of Sir Giles mom peasant and was by him delivered to these hellish tormentors acting under cover of the star chamber and in pursuance of its iniquitous decrees he nailed me to the pillory and so fast that the ears through which the spikes were driven were left behind think how you would like that Sir Jocelyn think what you would feel if you stood there on that infamous post a spectacle to the base and shouting rabble with a paper fastened to your breast setting forth your crimes and acquainting all that you were a star chamber delinquent enough sir interrupted Sir Jocelyn I enough more than enough rejoined the other but I cannot spare you the whole of the recital however painful it may be to you my own sufferings will be yours if you heed not so I shall go on in robbing me of my ears the executioner had only half done his work he had still further to deface the image of his maker and he hesitated not in his task no savage in the wilds could have treated his deadliest enemy worse than he treated me and yet the vile concourse applauded him and not a word of pity escaped them my sentence was fully carried out my features forever disfigured and the letters of shame indelibly stamped upon my cheek you may read them there now if you will look at me you thrill me with horror said Sir Jocelyn I, mine is not a mirthful history though that fiend in human form Sir Giles hath often laughed at it rejoined the promoter it might make you shudder and perchance move you to tears if you could hear it all but for the present I shall confine myself to such portions of it as bear upon your own perilous position and I therefore hold myself out as a lesson to you again I bid you look upon this ravaged countenance and say if by any stretch of fancy you can persuade yourself it was once as comely as your own you find it difficult to believe my words yet such was the fact I, he continued in a tone of profoundest melancholy I was once proud of the gifts nature had vouchsafed me too proud alas and I was punished for my vanity and self-boasting in those days I loved and was beloved in return by a damsel beautiful as Evelyn after my horrible punishment I beheld her no more knowing she must regard me with aversion I shunned her I desired not to be an object of pity bring this home to your own breast Sir Jocelyn and think how direful would be your lot to be driven forever from her you love yet such has been my case I cannot bear the contemplation it were madness cried the young man there was a brief pause after which Lanier resumed his story at the time of being cast into the fleet prison my prospects were fair enough when I came forth I was utterly ruined existence was a burden to me and I should have ended my days by my own hand if the insatiable desire of vengeance had not bound me to the world for this alone I consented to live to bear the agonies of blighted love to endure the scorn and taunts of all with whom I was brought into contact nay I attached myself to him who had so deeply wronged me to ensure revenge upon him my great fear was lest I should be robbed of this precious morsel and you may remember that I struck up your sword when it had touched his breast he must die by no other hand than mine your vengeance has been tardy observed Sir Jocelyn true replied the other I have delayed it for several reasons but chiefly because I would have it complete the work is begun and its final accomplishment will not be long postponed I will not destroy him till I have destroyed the superstructure on which he has built his fortunes till all has crumbled beneath him and he has beggared and dishonored I have begun the work I say look here he cried taking a parchment from his doublet you would give much for this deed Sir Jocelyn this makes me lord of a large property in Norfolk with which you are well acquainted you cannot mean the mountaincy estates cried Sir Jocelyn yet now I look at the instrument it is so I obtained this assignment by stratagem said the promoter and I have thereby deprived Sir Giles of the most valuable portion of his spoils and though he thinks to win it back again he will find himself deceived my measures are too well taken this is the chief prop of the fabric it has taken him so long to rear and ere long I will shake it wholly in pieces but if you have become unlawfully possessed of this property as would appear to be the case by your own showing you cannot hope to retain it said the young knight trust me Sir Jocelyn I shall prove a better title to it than Sir Giles could exhibit rejoined Lanier but this is not a time for full explanation if I carry out my schemes you will not be the last person benefited by them again I ask you what possible interest can you feel in me demanded the young knight with curiosity next to myself you have been most injured by Sir Giles and even more than myself are you an object of dislike to him these would suffice to excite my sympathy towards you but I have other and stronger reasons for my friendly feeling towards you which in due season you shall know all your proceedings are mysterious observed Sir Jocelyn they must needs be so from the circumstances in which I am placed I am compelled to veil them as I do my hateful features from the prying eyes of men but they will be made clear anon and you will then understand me and my motives better ha what is this he suddenly exclaimed as a noise outside attracted his attention fly fly there is danger but the warning was too late ere the young man who stood irresolute could affect his retreat from the back of the cottage the door was thrown open and a sergeant at arms with three attendants in black gowns and flat caps and having black staves in their hands entered the room Sir Jocelyn had partly drawn his sword but restored it to the scabbard on a glance from Lanier resistance must not be offered said the latter in a low tone you will only make a bed matter worse the sergeant at arms a tall thin man with a sinister aspect advanced towards the young knight and touching him with his wand said I attach your person Sir Jocelyn mountaincy in virtue of a warrant which I hold from the high court of star chamber I yield myself your prisoner Sir replied Sir Jocelyn whether am I to be taken you will be taken before the lords of the council in the first instance and afterwards in all probability be consigned to the custody of the wardens of his majesty's jail of the fleet replied the sergeant at arms I would faint know the nature of my offense said Sir Jocelyn you will learn that when the interrogatories are put to you replied the official but I am told you have disparaged the dignity of the high court and that is an offense ever severely punished your accuser is Sir Giles mom peasant having said thus much the sergeant at arms turned to the promoter and inquired are you not Clément Lanier why do you ask rejoin the other because if you are he I must request you to accompany me to Sir Giles mom peasant Lanier is my name replied the other and if I declined to attend you as you request it is from no disrespect to you but from distaste to the society into which you propose to bring me your warrant does not extend to me it does not Sir replied the sergeant at arms nevertheless arrest him cried a voice at the back of the house and a window being thrown open the face of Sir Giles mom peasant appeared at it arrest him repeated the extortioner the sergeant at arms made a movement as if of compliance but Lanier bent towards him and whispered a few words in his ear on hearing which the official respectfully retired why are not my injunctions obeyed Sir demanded Sir Giles furiously from the window because he has rendered me good reason why he may not be molested by us or by anyone else replied the officer significantly Lanier looked with a smile of triumph at the extortioner and then turning to Sir Jocelyn who seemed half disposed to make an attack upon his enemy said in an undertone harm him not leave him to me after which he quitted the cottage Sir Giles then signed to the sergeant at arms to remove his prisoner and disappeared and the attendance in sable cloaks closing round Sir Jocelyn the party went forth end of chapter 21 chapter 22 of the star chamber and historical romance volume two this is a LibriVox recording a LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Dion Giants Salt Lake City, Utah the star chamber and historical romance volume two by William Harrison Ainsworth chapter 22 the old fleet prison mention is made of a prison house standing near the river fleet as early as the reign of Richard I and this was one of the oldest jails in London as its first wardens whose names are on record Nathaniel Delovelland and Robert his son paid in 1198 a fine of 60 marks for its custody affirming that it had been their inheritance ever since the conquest and praying that they might not be hindered therein by the counter fine of Osbert the long shamp to whom it had been granted by the lion-hearted monarch the next warden of the fleet in the days of John was Simon Fitzrobert Archdeacon of Wells probably a near relative of Robert Delovelland as the wardship of the daughter of the said Robert as well as the custody of the jail was also committed to him the freehold of the prison continued in the Delovelland family for upwards of three centuries until in the reign of Philip and Mary it was sold to John Heath for 2,300 pounds a large sum in those days but not more than the value of the property which from the way it was managed produced a large revenue to its possessor the joint wardens of the fleet at the time of our history were Sir Henry Lullo and John Eldred but their office was executed by deputy in the person of Joachim Tunstall by whom it was rented as will naturally be supposed it was the object of every deputy warden to make as much as he could out of the unfortunate individuals committed to his charge and some idea of the infamous practices of those persons may be gathered from a petition presented to the lords of the council in 1586 by the then prisoners of the fleet in this it is stated that the warden had let and set to farm the victuring and lodging of all the house and prison of the fleet to one John Harvey and the other prophets of this said fleet he had let to one Thomas Newport the deputy there under the warden and these being very poor men having neither land nor any trade to live by nor any certain wages of this said warden and being also greedy of gain did live by bribing and extortion that they did most shamefully extort and exact from the prisoners raising new customs fines and payments for their own advantage that they cruelly use them shutting them up in close prisons when they found fault with their wicked dealings not suffering them to come and go as they ought to do with other abominable misdemeanors which without reformation might be the poor prisoners utter undoing in consequence of this petition a commission of inquiry into the alleged abuses was appointed but little good was affected by it for only seven years later further complaints were made against the warden charging him with murders and other grave misdemeanors still no redress was obtained nor was it likely it would be when the cries of the victims of this abominable system of oppression were so easily stifled the most arbitrary measures were resorted to by the officers of the prison and carried out with perfect impunity their authority was not to be disputed and it has been shown how obedience was enforced fines were inflicted and payment made compulsory so that the wealthy prisoner was soon reduced to beggary resistance to the will of the jailers and refusal to submit to their exactions were severely punished loaded with fetters and almost deprived of food the miserable captive was locked up in a noisome subterranean dungeon and if he continued obstinate was left to rot there when he expired his death was laid to the jail fever rarely were these dark prison secrets divulged though frequently hinted at the moral condition of the prisoners was frightful as the greater portion of them consisted of vicious and disorderly characters these contaminated the whole mass so that the place became a complete sink of abomination drunkenness smoking dicing card playing and every kind of license were permitted or connived at and the stronger prisoners were allowed to plunder the weaker such was the state of things in the fleet prison at the period of our history when its misgovernment was greater than it had ever previously been and the condition of its inmates incomparably worse during the rebellion of watt tyler the greater part of the buildings constituting the ancient prison were burnt down and otherwise destroyed and when rebuilt the jail was strengthened and considerably enlarged its walls were of stone now grim and hoary with age and on the side next to the fleet there was a large square structure resembling traitors gate at the tower and forming the sole entrance to the prison to this gate state offenders were brought by water after committal by the council of the star chamber nothing could be sterner or gloomier than the aspect of the prison on this side gray and frowning walls with a few somber buildings peeping above them and a black gateway with a yawning arch as if looking ready to devour the unfortunate being who approached it passing through a wicket contrived in the ponderous door a second gate was arrived at and this brought the captive to the porter's lodge where he was delivered up to the jailers and assigned a room in one of the wards according to his means of paying for it the best of these lodgings were but indifferent and the worst were abominable and noisome pits on entering the outer ward a strange scene presented itself to the view motley groups were scattered about most of the persons composing them being clad in threadbear doublets and tattered cloaks and wearing caps from which the feathers and ornaments had long since disappeared but there were a few probably new coiners in somewhat better attire all these were debtors recklessness and effrontery were displayed in their countenances and their discourse was full of rivalry and profanity at one side of this ward there was a large kitchen where eating and drinking were constantly going forward at little tables as at a tavern or cook shop and where commons were served out to the poorer prisoners near this was a large hall which served as the refractory of the prisoners for debt it was furnished with side benches of oak and had two long tables of the same wood but both benches and tables were in a filthy state and the floor was never cleansed indeed every part of the prison was foul enough to breed a pestilence and the place was seldom free from fever in consequence the upper part of the refractory was traversed by a long corridor on either side of which were the dormitories the arrangements of the inner ward were nearly similar and differed only from the outer insofar that the accommodations were superior as they had need to be considering the price asked for them but even here nothing like cleanliness could be found in this ward was the chapel at a graded window in the gate stood the poor debtors rattling their begging boxes and endeavoring by their cries to obtain alms from the passersby below the warden's lodgings which adjoined the gate and which were now occupied by the deputy Joachim Tunstall was a range of subterranean dungeons built below the level of the fleet frequently flooded by the river these dungeons were exceedingly damp and unwholesome and they were reserved for such prisoners as had incurred the censure of the inexorable court of star chamber it was in one of the deepest and most dismal of these cells that the unfortunate Sir Ferdinando Mountain Sea breathed his last allusion has been previously made to the influence exercised within the fleet by Sir Giles Mompesson both the wardens were his friends and ever ready to serve him their deputy was his creature and subservient to his will in all things while the jailers and their assistants took his orders whatever they might be as if from a master thus he was enabled to tyrannize over the objects of his displeasure who could never be secure from his malice by the modes of torture he adopted through his agents he could break the most stubborn spirit and subdue the strongest it was matter of savage satisfaction to him to witness the sufferings of his victims and he never ceased from persecution till he had obtained whatever he desired the barbarities carried out in pursuance of the atrocious sentences of the court of star chamber were to him pleasant spectacles and the bleeding and mutilated wretches whom his accusations had conducted to the pillory when brought back to their dungeons could not escape his hateful presence worse to them from his fiendish derision of their agonies than that of the executioner end of chapter 22