 Chapter 10 Book 4 of Rookwood. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. This reading by Paul Curran. Rookwood by William Harrison Ainsworth. Book 4 Chapter 10 The Jibbit. See there, see there, what yonder swings, and creeks mid whistling rain, jibbit and steel, the accursed wheel, a murderer in his chain. William and Helen As the eddy incurrence sweep over its plains in howling bleak December, the horse and her rider passed over what remained of Lincolnshire. Grantham is gone, and they are now more slowly looking up the ascent of Gonabee Hill, a path well known to Terpin. Where often, in bygone nights, many a purse had changed its owner. With that feeling of independence and exhilaration which everyone feels, we believe, on having climbed the hillside, Terpin turned to gaze around. There was triumph in his eye, but the triumph was checked as his glance fell upon a jibbit near him to the right, on the round point of a hill which is a landmark to the wide veil of Belvoir. Pressed as he was for time, Dick immediately struck out of the road and approached the spot where it stood. Two scarecrow objects covered with rags and rusty links of chains depended from the tree. A night crow screaming around the carcasses added to the hideous effect of the scene. Nothing but the living highwayman and his skeleton brethren was visible upon the solitary spot. Around him was the lonesome waste of hill, all looking the moonlit valley, beneath his feet a patch of bare and lightning blasted sod, above the one declining moon and skies, flaked with ghostly clouds, before him the bleached bodies of the murderers for such they were. Will this be my lot, Sir Marvel? said Dick, looking upwards with an involuntary shudder. Aye, merry will it! rejoined a crouching figure, suddenly springing from beside a tuft of briars that skirted the blasted ground. Dick started in his saddle, while best reared and plunged at the sight of this unexpected apparition. What oh, the devil's dam, Barbara! Is it thou? exclaimed Dick, reassured upon discovering it was the gypsy queen and no spectre whom he beheld. Stand still, best stand, lass! What dost thou there, mother of darkness? Art gathering mandrakes for thy poisonous messes or pilfering flesh from the dead? Meddle not with their bones, or I will drive thee hence! What dost thou here, I say, old dam of the gibbet? I came to die here, replied Barbara, in a feeble tone, and throwing back her hood, she displayed features well nigh as ghastly as those of the skeletons above her. Indeed, replied Dick, you've made a choice of a pleasant spot it must be owned, but you'll not die yet. Do you know whose bodies these are? asked Barbara, pointing upwards. Two of your race, replied Dick, wright brethren of the blade. Two of my sons, returned Barbara, my twin children, I am come to lay my bones beneath their bones. My sepulchre shall be their sepulchre, my body shall feed the fowls of the air as theirs have fed them, and if ghosts can't walk, we'll scour this heat together. I tell you what, Dick Turpin, said the hag, drawing as near to the highwomen as best would permit her. Dead men walk and ride! Aye, ride! There's a comfort for you. I've seen these do it. I have seen them fling off their chains and dance! Aye, dance with me, with their mother! No revels like dead men's revels, Dick. I shall soon join them. You will not lay violent hands upon yourself, mother, said Dick, with difficulty mastering his terror. No, replied Barbara, in an altered tone, but I will let nature do her task. Would she could do it more quickly? Such a life as mine won't go out with a long struggle. What have I to live for now? All are gone. She and her child. But what is this to you? You have no child, and if you had, you could not feel like a father. No matter. I rave. Listen to me. I have crawled hither to die. It is five days since I beheld you, and during that time food has not passed these lips. No oat of moisture save heaven's dew. Cool this patch throat, nor shall they do to the last. That time cannot be far off, and now can you not guess how I mean to die? Be gone and leave me. Your presence troubles me. I will breathe my last breath alone, with none to witness the parting pang. I will trouble you no longer, mother, said Dick, turning his mare. No, will I ask your blessing. My blessing? scornfully ejaculated Barbara. You shall have it if you will, but you won't find it a curse. Say, a thought strikes me. Where are you going? To see Sir Luke Rockwood, replied Dick, know you oat of him? Sir Luke Rockwood, you seek him, and would find him, screamed Barbara. I would, said Dick, and you will find him, said Barbara, and that ere long I shall near again behold him. Would I could? I have a message for him, one of life and death. Will you convey to him? I will, said the highwayman. Swear by those bones to do so, cried Barbara, pointing with her skinny fingers to the gibbet, that you will do my bidding. I swear, cried Dick, Phil not, or we will haunt thee to thy life's end, cried Barbara, adding, as she handed a sealed package to the highwayman, Give this to Sir Luke, to him alone. I would have sent it to him by other hands like this, but my people have deserted me, have pillaged my stores, have rifled me of all same this. Give this, I say, to Sir Luke with your own hands. You have sworn it, and will obey. Give it to him, and bid him think of Sibyl as he opens it. But this must not be till Eleanor is in his power, and she must be present when the seal is broken. It relates to both. Dare not to tamper with it, or my curse shall pursue you. That packet is guarded with a triple spell, which to you are fatal. O be me, and my dying breath shall bless thee. Never fear, said Dick, taking the packet. I'll not disappoint your mother, depend on it. Hence, cried the crone, and as she watched Dick's figure lessening upon the waist, and at length beheld him finally disappear down the hillside, she sank to the ground, her frail strength being entirely exhausted. But he had soul, me now part in peace, gasped she. All I live for is accomplished. And ere one hour had elapsed, the night crow was perched upon her still-breathing frame. Long pondering upon this singular interview, Dick pursued his way. At length, he thought fit to examine the packet with which the old gypsy had entrusted him. It feels like a casket, thought he. It can't be gold, but then it may be jewels, though they don't rattle, and it ain't quite heavy enough. What can it be? I should like to know. There is some mystery that's certain about it. But I will not break the seal, not I. As to her spell, that I don't value a rush, but I have sworn to give it to Saluk and deliver her message, and I'll keep my word if I can. He shall have it. So saying, he replaced it in his pocket. Rookwood by William Harrison Ainsworth Book 4 Chapter 11 The Phantom Steed I'll speak to thee, though hell itself should gape and bid me hold my peace. Hamlet Time presses. We may not linger in our course. We must fly on before our flying highwayman. Full forty miles shall we pass over in a breath. Two more hours have elapsed, and he still urges his headlong career, with heart resolute as ever, and purpose yet unchanged. Fernewick and the dashing Trent, most loved of England's streams, are gathered to his laurels. Broad knots, and its heavy paths and sweeping glades, its waste, for it no more, of sureward past. Bold Robin Hood and his merry men, his Marian and his moonlight rides, cold, forgotten, left behind. Hurrah! Hurrah! That wild Halu, that waving arm, that enlivening shout. What means it? He is once more upon Yorkshire ground. His horse's hoof beats once more the soil of that noble shire. So transported was Dick, that he could almost have flung himself from the saddle to kiss the dust beneath his feet. Thrice fifty miles has he run, nor has the morn yet dawned upon his labours. Ah! The end draws nigh. The goal is in view. Halu! Halu! On! Bortries past. He takes the lower road by Thorn and Selby. He is skirting the waters of the deep channeled dawn. Bess now began to manifest some slight symptoms of distress. There was a strain in the carriage of her throat, a dullness in her eye, a laxity in her ear, and a slight stagger in her gait, each turpin noticed with apprehension. Still she went on, though not at the same gallant pace as her to four. But as the tired bird still battles with the blast upon the ocean, as the swimmer still stems the stream, though spent on went she. Nor did turpin dare to check her, fearing that if she stopped she might lose her force, or if she fell she would rise no more. It was now that grey and grimly hour, ere one flicker of orange or rose has gemmed the east, and when unwearing nature herself seems to snatch brief repose. In the roar of restless cities, this is the only time when their strife is hushed. Midnight is awake, alive, the streets ring with laughter and with rattling wheels. At the third hour a dead deep silence prevails. The loud voice streets grow dumb. They are deserted of all, save the few guardians of the night and the skulking robber. But even far removed from the haunts of men and hum of towns it is the same. Nature's best nurse seems to weigh nature down, and stillness rains throughout. Our feelings are, in a great measure, influenced by the hour. Exposed to the raw, crude atmosphere, which has neither the nipping, wholesome shrewdness of morn, nor the profound chillness of night, the frame vainly struggles against the dull, miserable sensations engendered by the damps, and at once communicates them to the spirits. Hope forsakes us. We are weary, exhausted. Our energy is dispirited. Sleep does not weigh our eyelids down. We stare upon the vacancy. We conjure up a thousand restless, disheartening images. We abandon projects we have formed, and which, viewed through this medium, appear fantastical, chimerical, absurd. We want rest, refreshment, energy. We will not say that Turpin had all these misgivings, but he had to struggle hard with himself to set sleep and exhaustion at defiance. The moon had set. The stars pinnacle deep in the intense main, had all saved one, the herald of the dawn, withdrawn their luster. A dull mist lay on the stream, and the air became piercing cold. Turpin's chilled fingers could scarcely grasp the slackening rain, while his eyes, irritated by the keen atmosphere, hardly enabled him to distinguish surrounding objects, or even to guide his steed. It was owing, probably, to this latter circumstance, that Bess suddenly floundered and fell, throwing her master over her head. Turpin instantly recovered himself. His first thought was for his horse, but Bess was instantly upon her legs, covered with dust and foam, sides and cheeks, and with her large eyes glaring wildly, almost piteously upon her master. Art hurt, lass? That's dick, as she shook herself and slightly shivered, and he proceeded to the horseman's scrutiny. Nothing but a shake, though that dull eye, those quivering flanks, I did he, looking earnestly at her. She won't go much further, and I must give up, what, give up the race when it's won? No, that can't be, ha, well thought on. I have a bottle of liquid, given me by an old fellow who was a knowing cove and famous jockey in his day, which he swore would make a horse go as long as he'd a leg to carry him, and bade me keep it for some great occasion. I've never used it, but I'll try it now. It should be in this pocket. Ah, Bess wench. I fear I'm using the, after all, a salute did his mistress, that I thought so like thee. No matter, it will be a glorious end. Raising her head upon his shoulder, Dick poured the contents of the bottle down the throat of his mare. Nor had he to wait long before its invigorating effects were instantaneous. The fire was kindled in the glassy orb, the crest was once more erected, her flank ceased to quiver, and she nade, loud and joyously. Hey, God, the old fellow was right, cried Dick. The drinkers worked wonders, what the devil could it have been? It smells like spirit, added he, examining the bottle. I wish I'd left a taste for myself, but here's that will do as well. And he drained his flask of the last drop of brandy. Dick's limbs were now become so excessively stiff that it was with difficulty he could remount his horse. But this necessary preliminary being achieved by the help of a style he found no difficulty in resuming his accustomed position upon the saddle. We know not whether there was any likeness between our turpin and that modern Hercules of the sporting world, Mr. Osboldeston. Far be it from us to institute any comparison, though we cannot help thinking that, in one particular, he resembled that famous copper-bottomed squire. This we will leave to our reader's discrimination. Dick bore his fatigues wonderfully. He suffered somewhat of that martyrdom which, according to Tom Moore, occurs to weavers and MPs from sitting too long. But again on his courses back he cared not for anything. Once more, at a gallant pace, he traversed the banks of the Don, skirting the fields of flax that bound its sides and hurried far more swiftly than its current to its confluence with the air. Snaith was passed. He was on the road to Selby when Dawn first began to break. Here and there a Twitter was heard in the hedge. A hare ran across his path, grey-looking as the morning self, and the mists began to rise from the earth. A bar of gold was drawn against the east, like the roof of a gorgeous palace, but the mists were heavy in this world of rivers and their tributary streams. The ewes was before him, the Trent and air behind, the Don and Derwent on either hand, all in their way to commingle their currents ere they formed the giant Humber. A midder region so prodigal of water, no wonder the Jews felt thick as rain. Here and there the ground was clear, but then again came a volley of vapour, dim and palpable as smoke. While involved in one of these fogs, Terpin became aware of another horseman by his side. It was impossible to discern the features of the rider, but his figure in the mists seemed gigantic. Neither was the colour of his steed distinguishable. Nothing was visible, except the meagre-looking, phantom-like outline of a horse and his rider. And as the unknown rode upon the turf that edged the way, even the sound of the horse's hoofs was scarcely audible. Terpin gazed, not without superstitious awe. Once or twice he essayed to address the strange horseman, but his tongue claved to the roof of his mouth. He fancied he discovered in the mis-exaggerated liniments of the stranger a wild and fantastic resemblance to his friend Tom King. It must be Tom, thought Terpin. He's come to warn me of my approaching end. I will speak to him. But terror all mastered his speech. He could not force out a word, and thus side by side they rode in silence. Quaking with fears he would scarcely acknowledge to himself, Dick watched every motion of his companion. He was still, stern, specter-like, erect, and looked for all the world like a demon on his phantom steed. His cursor seemed in the indistinct outline to be huge and bony, and as he snorted furiously in the fog, Dick's heated imagination supplied his breath with a due proportion of flame. Not a word was spoken, not a sound heard, save the sullen dead beat of his hoofs upon the grass. It was intolerable to ride thus cheek by jowl with a goblin. Dick could stand it no longer. He put spurs to his horse and endeavoured to escape, but it might not be. The stranger, apparently without effort, was still by his side, and his feet in her master's apprehensions were nailed to the ground. By and by, however, the atmosphere became clearer. Bright, quivering beams burst through the vaporous shroud, and then it was that Dick discovered that the apparition of Tom King was no other than Luke Rookwood. He was mounted on his old horse Rook, and looked grim and haggard as a ghost, vanishing at the crowing of the cock. So Luke Rookwood, by this light, exclaimed Dick in astonishment. Why, I took you for the devil no doubt, returned Luke, smiling sternly, and was sorry to find yourself so hard-pressed. Don't disquiet yourself, I am still flesh and blood. Had I taken you for one of mortal mould, said Dick, you should have soon seen where I'd have put you in the race. That confounded fog deceived me and best acted the fool as well as myself. However, now I know you, Sir Luke. You must spur alongside, for the hawks are on the wing. And though I've much to say, I've not a second to lose. And Dick briefly detailed the particulars of his ride, concluding with his recont with Barbara. Here's the packet, said he, just as I got it. You must keep it till the proper moment, and here, added he, fumbling in his pocket for another paper, is the marriage document. You are now your father's lawful son. Let who will say you nay? Take it and welcome. If you are ever master of Miss Mowbray's hand, you will not forget Dick Turpin. I will not, said Luke, eagerly grasping the certificate. But she may never be mine. You have her oath. I have. What more is needed? Her hand. That will follow. It shall follow, replied Sir Luke wildly. You are right. She's my aphion's bride. Once before hell, if not before heaven. I have sealed the contract with blood, with Sybil's blood, and it shall be fulfilled. I have her oath. Her oath, ah! Though I perish in the attempt, I will arrest her from Randolph's grasp. She will never be his. I would stab her first. Twice have I failed in my endeavours to bear her off. I am from Rookwood even now. Tomorrow night I shall renew the attack. Will you assist me? Tomorrow night, interrupted Dick. Nay, I should say tonight. A new day has already dawned, replied Luke. I will. She's at Rookwood. She languishes there at present, attended by her mother and her lover. The hall is watched and guarded. Randolph is ever on the alert. But we will storm there, Garrison. I have a spy within its walls. A gypsy girl, faithful to my interests. From her, I have learnt there is a plot to wed Elinor to Randolph, and that the marriage is to take place privately tomorrow. This must be prevented. It must? Why not boldly appear in person at the hall and claim her? Why not? I am a prescribed felon. A price is set upon my head. I am hunted through the country, driven to concealment and dare not show myself a fear of capture. What could I do now? They would load me with fetters, bury me in a dungeon and wed Elinor to Randolph. What would my rights avail? What would her oath signify to them? No, she must be mined by force. His, she never shall be. Again, I ask you, will you aid me? I have said, I will. Where is Alan Rookwood? Concealed within the hut on Thorn Waste. You know it, it was one of your haunts. I know it well, said Dick, and conky gem its keeper into the bargain. He is a knowing file. I'll join you at the hut at midnight if all goes well. We'll bring off the wench in spite of them all. Just the thing I like. But in case of a breakdown on my part, suppose you take charge of my purse in the meantime. Luke would have declined this offer. Jar, said Dick, who knows what may happen. And it's not inlined either. You'll find an odd hundred or so in that silken bag. It's not often your highwayman gives away a purse. Take it, man. We'll settle all tonight. And if I don't come, keep it. It will help you to your bride. And I'll off with you to the hut, for you are only hindering me a year. My love to old Alan will do the trick tonight. Away with you to the hut. Keep yourself snug there till midnight and we'll ride over to Rookwood. At midnight, replied Sir Luke wheeling off, I shall expect you. Where Hawks? Hallowed Dick. But Luke had vanished. In another instant Dick was scouring the plane as rapidly as ever. In the meantime, as Dick had casually alluded to the Hawks, it may not be amiss to inquire how they had flown throughout the night and whether they were still in chase of their quarry. With the exception of Titus, who was completely done up at Grantham. Having got, as he said, a complete bellyful of it, they were still on the wing and resolved sooner or later to pounce upon their prey, pursuing the same system as here too for, in regard to the post horses. Major Mowbray and Patterson took the lead, but the irascible and invincible attorney was not far in their rear, his wrath having been by no means elade by the fatigue he had undergone. At Bortrie, they held a council of war for a few minutes, being doubtful which course he had taken. Their insertitude was relieved by a foot-traveller, who had heard Dick's loud halloo on passing the boundary of Nottinghamshire and had seen him take the lower road. They struck, therefore, into the path at Thorn at a hazard and were soon satisfied they were right. Furiously did they now spur on. They reached Selby, changing horses at the inn in front of the venerable Cathedral Church and learnt from the post boy that a toil-worm horseman on a jaded steed had ridden through the town about five minutes before them and could not be more than a quarter of a mile in advance. His horse was sore dead beat, said the lad, that I'm sure he cannot have gone far. If you look sharp, I'll be bound you'll overtake him before he reaches Corwood Ferry. Mr. Colts was transported. We'll lodge him snug in your castle before an hour, Patterson, cried he, rubbing his hands. I hope so, sir, said the chief constable, but I begin to have some qualms. Now, gentlemen, shouted the post boy, come along, I'll soon bring you to him. End of Chapter 11, Book 4 Chapter 12, Book 4 of Rookwood This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. This reading by Paul Curran. Rookwood by William Harrison Ainsworth. Book 4, Chapter 12, Corwood Ferry The sight renewed my corset's feet, a moment staggering feverly fleet, a moment with a faint low nae he answered and then fell with gasps and glazing eyes he lay and reeking limbs immovable, his first and last career was done. Mazepa The sun had just all topped the high eastern hill as Terpin reached the ferry of Corwood and his beams were reflected upon the deep and sluggish waters of the Ews. Wearily had he dragged his corset thither, wearily and slow. The powers of his gallant steed were spent and he could scarcely keep her from sinking. It was now midway twix, the hours of five and six. Nine miles only lay before him and that thought again revived him. He reached the water's edge and hailed the ferry boat, which was then on the other side of the river. At that instant a loud shout smote his ear. It was the halloo of his pursuers. Despair was in his look. He shouted to the boatman and bade him pull fast. The man obeyed, but he had to breast a strong stream and had a lazy bark and heavy skulls to contend with. He had scarcely left the shore when another shout was raised from the pursuers. The tramp of their steeds grew louder and louder. The boat had scarcely reached the middle of the stream. His captors were at hand. Quietly did he walk down the bank and as cautiously enter the water. There was a plunge and steed and rider were swimming down the river. Major Mulbray was at the brink of the stream. He hesitated an instant and stemmed the tide. Seized as it were by a mania for equestrian distinction, Mr. Coats braved the torrent. Not so Patterson. He very coolly took out his bulldogs and watching Turpin cast up in his own mind the pros and cons of shooting him as he was crossing. I could certainly hit him, thought or said the constable. But what of that? A dead highwayman is worth nothing. Alive? He weighs three hundred. I won't shoot him, but I'll make a pretense and he fired accordingly. The shot skimmed over the water but did not, as it was intended, do much mischief. It however occasioned a mishap which had nearly proved fatal to our aquatic attorney. Alarmed at the report of the pistol in the nervous agitation of the moment Coats drew in his reins so tightly that his steed instantly sank. A moment or two afterwards he rose, shaking his ears and floundering heavily towards the shore. And such was the chilling effect of this sudden immersion that Mr. Coats now thought much more of saving himself than of capturing Turpin. Dick, meanwhile, had reached the opposite bank and, refreshed by her bath, Bess scrambled up the sides of the stream and speedily regained the road. I shall do it yet! shouted Dick. That stream has saved her! Hakaway, lass! Hakaway! Bess heard the cheering cry and she answered to the call. She roused all her energies, strained every sinew and put forth all her remaining strength. Once more, on the wings of swiftness, she bore him away from his pursuers. A major mulberry, who had now gained the shore and made certain of securing him, beheld him spring like a wounded hair from beneath his very hand. It cannot hold out, said the major. It is but an expiring flash. That gallant steed must soon drop. She be regularly booked, that certain, said the post-boy. We shall find her on the road. Contrary to all expectation, however, Bess held on and set pursuit at defiance. Her pace was swift as when she started, but it was unconscious and mechanical action. It wanted the ease, the lightness, the life of her former riding. She seemed screwed up to a task which she must execute. There was no flogging, no gory heel, but the heart was throbbing, tugging at the sides within. Her spirit spurred her onwards, her eyes were glazing, her chest heaving, her flank quivering, her crest again fallen. Yet she held on. She's dying, said Dick. I feel it. No, she held on. Full foot is passed. The towers and pinnacles of York burst upon him in all the freshness, the beauty and the glory of a bright, clear, autumnal mourn. The ancient city seemed to smile a welcome, a greeting. The noble minster and its serene and massive pinnacles, crooked, lantern-like and beautiful. St. Mary's lofty spire, all-haloes tower, the massive, mouldering walls of the adjacent postern, the grim castle and Clifford's neighbouring keep all beamed upon him like a bright-eyed face that laughs out openly. It is done! It is won! cried Dick. Hurrah! Hurrah! And the sunny air was cleft with his shouts. Bess was not insensible to her master's exultation. She naved feebly in answer to his call and reeled forwards. It was a piteous sight to see her, to mark her staring, protruding eyeball, her shaking flanks. But, while life and limb held together, she held on. Another mile is past. York is near. Hurrah! shouted Dick. But his voice was hushed. Bess tottered. Fell. There was a dreadful gasp, a parting moan, a snot. Her eye gazed for an instant upon her master with a dying glare. Then grew glassy, railess. Fixed. A shiver ran through her frame. Her heart had burst. Dick's eyes were blinded as with rain. His triumph, though achieved, was forgotten. His own safety was disregarded. He stood weeping and swearing like one beside himself. And art thou gone, Bess? cried he, in a voice of agony, lifting up his corset's head and kissing her lips, covered with blood-flecked foam. Gone. Gone. And I've killed the best steed that was ever crossed. And for what? Added Dick, beating his brow with his clenched hand. For what? For what? At this moment, the deep bell of the minster clock told out the hour of six. I am answered, gasped Dick. It was to hear those strokes. Turpin was roused from the state of stupifaction into which he had fallen by a smart slap on the shoulder. Recall to himself by the blow he started at once to his feet while his hands sought his pistols. But he was spared the necessity of using them by discovering in the intruder the bearded visage of the gypsy Balthazar. The patricot was habited in mendicant weeds and sustained a large wallet upon his shoulders. So it is all over with the best man I see, said Balthazar. I can guess how it has happened. You are pursued. I am, said Dick, roughly. Your pursuers are at hand within a few hundred yards. Then why stay here? Fly while you can. Never, never! cried Turpin. I'll fight it out here by Bess's side, poor lass. I've killed her. But she has done it. We have won. What? And his utterance was again choked. Back, I hear the tamp of horse and shouts, cried the patricot. Take this wallet. You will find a change of dress within it. Dart into that thick copse. Save yourself. But Bess, I cannot leave her, exclaimed Dick, with an agonising look at his horse. And what did Bess die for? But to save you, rejoined the patricot. True, true, said Dick. But take care of her. Don't let those dogs of hell meddle with her carcass. Away, cried the patricot. Leave Bess to me. Possessing himself of the wallet, Dick disappeared into the adjoining copse. He had not been gone many seconds when Major Mowbray rode up. Who is this? exclaimed the Major, flinging himself from his horse and seizing the patricot. This is not Turpin. Certainly not, replied Balthazar Cooley. I am not exactly the figure for the highwayman. Where is he? What has become of him? Asked Coats in despair, as he and Patterson joined the Major. Escaped I fear, replied the Major. Have you seen anyone, fellow? Added he, addressing the patricot. I have seen no one. replied Balthazar. I am only this instant arrived. This dead horse lying in the road attracted my attention. Ha! exclaimed Patterson, leaping from his steed. This may be Turpin after all. He has as many disguises as the devil himself, and may have carried that goat's ear in his pocket, saying which he seized the patricot by the beard and shook it with as little reverence as the gall handled the herchute chin of the Roman senator. The devil! Hands off! roared Balthazar. By Salomon, I won't stand such usage. Do you think a beard like mine is the growth of a few minutes? Hands off, I say! Regularly done, said Patterson, removing his hold of the patricot's chin and looking as blank as a cartridge. I exclaimed Coates, all owing to this worthless piece of carrion. If it were not that I hoped to see him dangling from those walls, pointing towards the castle, I should wish her master were by her side now to the dogs with her. And he was about to spurn the breathless carcass of poor Bess when a sudden blow dealt by the patricot's staff felled him to the ground. I'll teach you to molest me, said Balthazar, about to attack Patterson. Come, come, said the discomfited chief constable. No more of this. It's plain we're in the wrong box. Every bone in my body aches sufficiently without the aid of your cudgelord fellow. Come, Mr. Coates, take my arm and let's be moving. We've had an infernal long ride for nothing. Not so, replied Coates. I've paid pretty dearly for it. However, let us see if we can get any breakfast at the bowling green yonder, though I've already had my morning draught, added the facetious man of law, looking at his dripping apparel. Poor Black Bess, said Major Mobury, wistfully regarding the body of the mare as it lay stretched at his feet. Thou deservest a better fate and a better master. In thee, Dick Turpin, has lost his best friend. His exploits will henceforth want the colouring of romance, which thy unfailing energies threw over them. Light lie the ground over thee, thou matchless mare. To the bowling green the party proceeded, leaving the patricot in undisturbed possession of the lifeless body of Black Bess. Major Mobury ordered a substantial repast to be prepared with all possible expedition. A countryman in a smock frock was busily engaged at his morning's meal. To see that fellow bolt down his breakfast, one would think he had fasted for a month, said Coats. See the wholesome effects of an honest industrious life, Paterson. I envy him his appetite. I should fall too with Mo's zest with Dick Turpin in his place. The countryman looked up. He was an odd-looking fellow with a terrible squint and a strange contorted countenance. An ugly dog exclaimed Paterson, what a devil of a twist he has got! What's that you say about Dick Turpin, mister? Asked the countryman with his mouth half full of bread. Have you seen all of him? Asked Coats. Not I, mumbled the rustic, but I hear all the folks ear-bouts talk on him. They say as how he sets all the lawyers and constables at defiance and laughs in his sleeve at their efforts to catch him. It gets over more ground in a day than they do in a week. That's all over now, said Coats previously. He has cut his own throat, ridden his famous mare to death. The countryman almost choked himself in the attempt to bolt a huge mouthful. Aye, indeed, mister, how happen that? Asked he, so soon as he recovered speech. The fool rode her from London to York last night, returned Coats. Such a feat was never performed before. What horse could be expected to live through such work as that? Aye, it were a foo to attempt that! Observed the countryman. But you follow be like? We did. And took him out to all, I reckon. Asked the rustic, squinting more horribly than ever. No, returned Coats. I can't say we did. But we'll have him yet. I'm pretty sure he can't be far off. We may be nearer him than we imagine. Maybe so, mister! Returned the countryman. But I might miss a boulders to wax how many horses you used in the chase. Some half-dozen, maybe. Half a dozen growled Patterson. We had twenty at the least. And I, one, mentally ejaculated Serpin. For he was the countryman. End of chapter twelve, book four. Chapter one, book five of Rookwood. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. This reading by Paul Curran. Rookwood by William Harrison Ainsworth. Book five, The Oath. It was an ill oath, better broke than kept. The laws of nature and of nations do dispense with matters of divinity in such a case. Tatum. Chapter one, The Hut on Thorn Waste. Hind. Are all our horses and our arms in safety? Ferbo. They feed like Pluto's Pulfries underground. Our pistols, swords and other furniture are safely locked up at our rendezvous. Prince of Priggs revels. The Hut on Thorn Waste, to which we have before incidentally eluded and wither we are now about to repair was a low, lone hovel situate on the banks of the deep and oozy dawn at the eastern extremity of that extensive moor. Ostensibly, its owner fulfilled the duties of ferrymen to that part of the river, but as the road which skirted his tenement was little frequented, his craft was, for the most part, allowed to sleep undisturbed in her moorings. In reality, however, he was the inland agent of a horde of smugglers who infested the neighbouring coast. His cabin was their rendezvous and not unfrequently it was said the depository of their contraband goods. Conky Gem, so was he called by his associates on account of the slork and burgium promontory which decorated his countenance, had been an old hand at the same trade, but having returned from a seven years leave of absence from his own country procured by his lawless life, now managed matters with more circumspection and prudence and had never since been detected in his former illicit traffic. Nor, though so marvellously gifted in that particular himself, was he ever known to knows upon any of his accomplices, or in other words, to betray them. On the contrary, his hut was a sort of asylum for all fugitives from justice, and although the sanctity of his walls would in all probability have been little regarded, had anyone been detected within them, yet, strange to say, even if a robber had been tracked, as it often chanced, to Gem's immediate neighbourhood, all traces of him were sure to be lost at the ferryman's hut, and further search was useless. Within, the hut presented such an appearance as might be expected from its own pursuits and its own unpromising exterior. Consisting of little more than a couple of rooms, the rude white-washed walls exhibited in lieu of prints of more pretension and a gallery of choicely illustrated ballads, celebrating the exploits of various highwaymen, renowned in song, amongst which our friend Dick Turpin figured conspicuously upon his sable steed, best being represented by a huge rampant black patch and dick with a pistol considerably longer than the arm that sustained it. Next to this curious collection was a drum net, a fishing rod, a landing net, an eel spear, and other piscitorial apparatus, with a couple of skulls and a bolt-hook indicative of Jim's ferryman's office suspended by various hooks, the hole blackened and begrimed by peat smoke, there being no legitimate means of exit permitted to the vapour generated by the turf covered half stone. The only window indeed in the hut was to the front. The back apartment, which served Jim for dormitory, had no aperture whatever for the admission of light, except such as was afforded through the door and communication between the rooms. A few broken rush-bottomed chairs with a couple of dirty tables formed the sum total of the ferryman's furniture. Notwithstanding the grotesque effect of his exaggerated nasal organ, Jim's aspect was at once savage and repulsive. His lank black hair hung about his inflamed visage in wild elf locks, the animal predominating throughout. His eyes were small, red, full-fish and glared suspiciously from beneath his scarred and tufted eyebrows, while certain of his teeth projected like the tusks of a boar from out his coarse-lipped sensual mouth. The warfishing stature and deformed in person Jim was built for strength and what with his width of shoulder and shortness of neck, his figure looked as square and as solid as a cube. His throat and her chute chest constantly exposed to the weather had acquired a glowing tan while his arms, uncovered to the shoulders and clothed with fur like a bear's hide down almost to the tips of his fingers presented a knot of folded muscles, the concentrated force of which few would have desired to encounter in action. It was now on the stroke of midnight and Jim, who had been lying extended upon the floor of his hovel, suddenly aroused by that warning impulse that fails to awaken one of his calling at the exact moment when they require to be upon the alert, now set about fanning into flame the expiring fuel upon his heart. Having succeeded in igniting further portions of the turf, Jim proceeded to examine the security of his door and window and satisfied that the lock and bolt were shot and that the shutter was carefully closed, he kindled the light at his fire and walked towards his bedroom. The fire for the night that the ferryman entered his dormitory beside his crazy couch to the litter of empty bottles and a beer cask crowding the chamber. The latter he rolled aside and pressing his foot upon the plank beneath it the board gave way and the trapdoor opening discovered a ladder conducting apparently into the bowels of the earth. Jim leaned over the abyss and called in horse accents to someone below. He was immediately returned and the light became soon afterwards visible at the foot of the ladder. Two figures next descended. The first who set foot within the ferryman's chamber was Alan Rookwood the other as the reader may perhaps conjecture was his grandson. Is it the hour? asked Luke as he sprang from out the trapdoor. I replied Jim with a coarse laugh. I had not disturbed you myself before you. But maybe. I did he, softening his manner a little. You like some refreshments before you start. A stoop of nants will put you in queue for the job. Not I, replied Luke who could ill-tolerate his companions familiarity. Give me to drink. Said Alan walking feebly towards the fire and extending his skinny fingers before it. I'm chilled by the damps of that swampy cave the natural heat within me is nigh extinguished. Here is that shall put fresh marrow into your old bones. Returned Jim handing him a tumbler of brandy. Never stint it. I'll be sworn you'll be the better aunt for you look desperate queer man about the mazand. Alan was in sooth a ghastly spectacle the events of the last few days had wrought a fearful change. His countenance was almost exanimate and when with shaking hand and trembling lips he had drained the fiery potion to the dregs a terrible grimace was excited upon his features such as is produced upon the corpse by the action of the galvanic machine even Jim regarded him with a sort of apprehension. After he had taken a breath for a moment Alan broke out into a fit of wild and immoderate laughter. Why I said he this is indeed to grow young again and to feel fresh fire within one's veins. Who would have thought so much of life and energy could reside in this little vessel I am myself once more and not the same soulless pulseless lump of clay I was a moment or two back. The damps of that den had destroyed me and the solitude the waking dreams I've had the visions horrible I will not think of them I'm better now ready to execute my plans. Your plans I should say grandson Luke are our horses in readiness why do we tarry the hour we arrived and I would not that my new blown courage should evaporate me here the great work for which I live be accomplished that done I has no further stimulant let us away we tarry but for turpin said Luke I am as impatient as yourself I fear some missed chance must have befallen him or he would have been true to his appointment do you not think so? he added addressing the ferryman why? replied Jim reluctantly since you put it home to me I can't conceal it no longer I'll tell you what I didn't tell her for for fear you should be down in the mouth about it Dick Turpin can do nothing for you he's grabbed Turpin apprehended ejaculated Luke I returned Jim I learned from a farmer who crossed a ferry at nightfall that he would grab this morning at York after having ridden his famous cherry coloured pratt to death that's what hurts me more not all the rest though I fear Dick will scarce cheat the numbing cheat this go it's time's up I calculate will you supply his place and accompany us? asked Luke at the ferryman no, no replied Jim shaking his head there's too much risk and too little profit in the business for me it won't pay and what might tempt you to undertake the enterprise? asked Alan more than you have to offer master Peter replied Jim who would not be enlightened upon the subjects of Alan's real name or condition how do you know that? demanded Alan name your demand well then I'll not say but a hundred pounds if you had it might bribe me to your part with your soul to the devil I doubt not said Luke fiercely stamping the ground let us be gone we need not this mercenary aid we'll do without him stay said Alan you shall have the hundred provided you will assure us of your services could no more blarneywids master Sexton replied Jim in a gruff tone if I'm to go I must have the chink down and that's more nor either of you can do I'm thinking give me your purse whispered Alan to his grandson jar continued he do you hesitate this man can do much for us think upon Eleanor and be prudent you cannot accomplish your task unaided taking the amount from the purse he gave it to the ferryman adding if we succeed the sum shall be doubled and now let us set out during Alan's speech gem sharp eyes had been fastened upon the purse while he mechanically clutched the bank notes which were given to him he could not remove his gaze but continued staring at the treasure before him as if he would willingly by force have made it all his own Alan saw the error he had committed in exposing the contents of the purse to the avaricious ferryman and was about to restore it to Luke when the bag was suddenly snatched from his grasp and himself leveled by a blow upon the floor conky gem found the temptation irresistible knowing himself to be a match for both his companions and imagining he was secure from interruption he conceived the idea of making away with them and possessing himself of their wealth Luna had he disposed of Alan than he assailed Luke who met his charge half way with the vigor and illacrity of the latter the reader is already acquainted but he was no match for the herculean strength of the double jointed ferryman who with the ferocity of the bore he so much resembled thus furiously attacked him nevertheless as maybe imagined he was not disposed to yield up his life tamely he saw at once the villains murderous intentions unaware of his prodigious power would not have risked a close struggle could he have avoided it snatching the eelspear from the wall he had hurled it at the head of his adversary but without effect in the next instant he was locked in a clasp terrible as that of a polar bear in spite of all his struggles Luke was speedily hurled to the ground and gem who had thrown himself upon him was apparently searching about for some weapon to put a bloody termination to the conflict three taps were repeated slowly one after the other and the call resounded from a whistle damnation ejaculated gem gruffly interrupted and he seemed irresolute slightly altering his position on Luke's body the moment was fortunate for Luke and in all probability saved his life he extricated himself from the ferryman's grasp regained his feet and what was more of importance he was able to stand up and say villain cried he about to plunge the spear with all his force into his enemy's side you shall the whistle was again heard without don't you hear that cried gem disturbing's call turpin echoed Luke dropping the points of his weapon unbothered door you treacherous rascal and admit him well say no more about it and i'd thank you for it take back the lure he should not have shown it me it was that as it all a mischief unbothered door and parley not said luke contemptuously gem complied with pretended alacrity but real reluctance casting suspicious glances at luke as he withdrew the bolts the door at length being opened haggard exhausted and covered with dust having been staggered into the hut well i'm here said he with a hollow laugh i've kept my word i've been damnably put to it but here i am and he sank upon one of the stools we heard you were apprehended said luke i'm glad to find the information was false added he glancing angrily at the ferryman whoever told you that told you a lie said luke replied dick well what are you scowling at old charon and you salook why do you glower at each other make fast the door bolt it cerebrus right now give me a glass of brandy and then i'll talk a bumper so another what's that i see a dead man old peter alan i mean has anything happened to him that he has taken his measure there so quietly nothing i trust said luke stooping to raise up his grand sire the blow has stunned him the blow repeated turpin what there has been a quarrel then i thought as much from your amiable looks at each other come come we must have no differences give the old earthworm a taste of this i'll engage you will bring him too fast enough i rub his temples with it if you'd rather but it's a better remedy down the gullet the natural course and hark he gem search your crib quickly and see if you have any grub within it and any more bub in the cellar i'm as hungry as a hunter and as thirsty as a camel end of chapter one book five chapter two book five of rookwood this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org this reading by paul curran rookwood by william harrison ainsworth book five chapter two major mulbray mephistopheles out with your toasting iron thrust away haywood's translation of foust conky gem went in search of such provisions as his hovel afforded turpin meantime lent his assistance towards the revival of allen rookwood and it was not long before his efforts united with those of Luke were successful and allen restored to consciousness he was greatly surprised to find the highwaymen had joined them and expressed an earnest desire to quit the hut as speedily as possible that shall be done forthwith my dear fellow said dick but if you had fasted as long as i had done and gone through a few of my fatigues into the bargain you would perceive without difficulty the propriety of supping before you started here comes old nosy with a flitch of bacon and a loaf e gad i can scarce wait for the toasting in my present mood i could almost devour a grunter in the sty whereupon he applied himself to the loaf and to a bottle of stout march ale which gem placed upon the table quaffing copious drafts of the latter while the ferrymen implored himself in toasting certain rashes of the flitch upon the hissing embers luke meanwhile stalked impatiently about the room he had laid aside his tridental spear having first however placed a pistol within his breast to be ready for instant service should occasion demand it as he could now put little reliance upon the ferrymen's fidelity he glanced with impatience at turpin who pursued his meal with steady veracity worthy of a half famished soldier but the highwaymen returned no answer to his looks except such as was conveyed by the insettant clatter of his masticating jaws during the progress of his apparently interminable repast ready for you in a second Saluk said dick alright now capital ale Sharon stronger sticks one other Russia and I've done sorry to keep you can't conceive how cleverly I put the winkers upon him at York in the dress of a countryman all owing to old Baltic apacheco an old pal nah my old pals never nose upon me a nosy always help one out of the water always staunch here's health to you old crony gem returned a sulky response as he placed the last rassher on the table which was speedily disgust poor Bess muttered dick as he quaffed off the final glass of ale poor lass we buried her by the roadside beneath the trees deep deep her remain shall never be disturbed alas alas my bonny black Bess but no matter her name is yet alive her deeds will survive her the trial is over and now continued he rising from his seat and with you where are the tits in the stable underground growled gem Alan Rookwood in the meantime had joined his grandson and they conversed an instant or two apart my strength will not bear me through the night said he that fellow has thoroughly disabled me you must go without me to the hall here is the key of the secret passage you know the entrance I will await you in the tomb the tomb echoed Luke aye our family vault returned Alan with a ghastly grin it is the only place of security for me now let me see her there let me know that my vengeance is complete that I triumph in my death over him the accursed brother through you my grandson you have a rival brother a successful one you now know what hatred is I do returned Luke fiercely but not such hate as mine which through a life a long life have endured intense as went was first engendered in my bosom which from one have spread or all my race or all save you and which even now when death stares me in the face when the spirit pants to fly from its prison house burns fiercely as ever you cannot know what hate like that may be you must have wrongs such wrongs as mine first my hate to run off is bitter as your own to Sir Reginald name him not shrieked Alan but oh to think upon the bride he rubbed me off the young the beautiful whom I love to madness whose memory is a barbed shaft yet rankling keen as ever at my heart God of justice how is it that I have thus long survived but some men die by inches my dying lip shall name him once again and then it will be but to blend his name with curses I speak of him no more said Luke I will meet you in the vault remember tomorrow is her wedding day with run off think you I forget it bear it constantly in mind tomorrow's dawn must see her yours or his you have her oath to you are to death she is affianced if she would hesitate in her election do not you hesitate woman's will is fickle her scruples of conscience will be readily overcome she will not heed her vows but let her not escape you cast off all your weakness you are young and not as I am age and feebled be firm and added he with a look of terrible meaning if all else should fail if you are surrounded if you cannot bear her off use this and he placed a dagger in Luke's hands it has avenged me here now on a purged wife I avenge you of a force-worn mistress and remove all obsticle to Rookwood Luke took the weapon would you have me kill her? demanded he sooner than she should be run-offs I ought sooner than that but I would not murder both both echoed Alan I understand you not Sibyl and Eleanor replied Luke for as surely as I live Sibyl's death will lie at my door oh so asked Alan the poison was self-ministered true replied Luke with terrible emphasis but I spoke daggers hearkened to me said he hollowly whispering in his grand size ears me thinks I am not long for this world I have seen her since her death tut tut replied Alan it is not for you a man to talk thus a truce to these womanish fancies womanish or not returned Luke either my fancy has deceived me or I beheld her distinctly as I now behold you within Yon Cave while you were sleeping at my side it is disordered fancy said Alan Rookwood you will live live to inherit Rookwood live to see them fall crushed beneath your feet for myself if I but see you master of Alan's hand or know that she no longer lives to bless your rival or to mar your prospects I cannot how soon I brave my threatened doom of one or other you shall see resolved tonight said Luke placing the dagger within his vest at this moment a trampling of a horse was heard before the hovel and in another instant a loud knocking resounded from the door the ferryman instantly extinguished the light motioning his companions to remain silent what ho shouted a voice ferry wanted Gadzooks exclaimed Dick as I lived his major mulberry major mulberry echoed Alan in amazement what doth he hear he must be on his way from York to Rookwood I conclude Dick if he's here I'll engage the others are not far off scarcely were the words out of Dick's mouth when further clatter was heard at the door and the tones of coats were heard in old Tissimo key demanding admittance let us retire into the next room whispered Turpin and then admit them by all means conky and Harky managed to detain them a few seconds I'll do it said Gem a bit of a hole you can peep through another loud rat tat was heard at the door threatening to burst it from its hinges well I'll be coming said Gem seeing the coast was clear in a drowsy yawning tone as if just awakened from sleep you'll cross the river none the faster for making so much noise with these words he unbarred the door and coats and Patterson who it appeared were proceeding to Rookwood entered the hovel Major Mowbray remained on horseback at the door can you find a glass of brandy to keep out the fog said Coates who knew something of our ferryman's vocations I know you are a lot of amazing spirit maybe I can master if I choose but won't the other gem and walk indoors likewise no no said Coates Major Mowbray don't choose to dismount well as you please said Gem it'll take me a minute or two to get the bunting order for all them brads the brandy in the first place said Coates what's here added the loquacious attorney noticing the remnants of Turpins repast but that way hurried I should like a little frizzled bacon myself Gem opened the door of his dormitory with the greatest caution though apparent in difference and almost instantly returned with the brandy Coates filled the glass for Patterson and then another for himself the ferryman left the house apparently to prepare his boat half closing the door after him by my faith this is the right thing Patterson said the attorney we may be sure the strength of this was never tasted by a gauges proof take another thimbleful we've 12 miles and a heavy pool to go through where we reach Rookwood after all we made but a poor night's work if it master constable cursed stupid in us to let him escape I only wish we had such another chance if we had him with him reach now how he would spring upon him secure him in an instant I should glory in the encounter I tell you what Patterson if ever he is taken I shall make a point of attending his execution and see whether he dies game you think he's sure to swing Patterson eh why yes replied the chief constable I wish I was a certain of my reward as that turpin will eventually figure at the scragging post your reward replied coats make yourself easy on that score my boy you shall have your dues depend upon it nay for the matter of that I'll give you the money now if you think proper nothing like time present said Patterson we'll make all square at once well then said coats taking out a pocketbook you shall have the hundred I promised you won't get turpin's reward the three hundred pounds but that can't be helped you shall have mine always a man of my word Patterson continued the attorney counting out the money my father the thief taker was a man of his word before me no doubt said the chief constable I shall always be happy to serve you and then there's that other affair said the attorney mysteriously still occupied in doling out his banknotes that's Luke Bradley's case the fellow I mean who calls himself so Luke Rookwood a rank imposter two fives that makes fifty you want another fifty Patterson as I was saying we may make a good job of that we must ferret him out I know who will come down properly for that and if we could only tuck him up with his brother blade why it would be worth double he's all along been a thorn in my lady Rookwood's side he's an artful scoundrel leave him to me said Patterson I'll have him in less than a week what's your charge against him felony, burglary, murder every description of crime under the heavens said Coates he's a very devil incarnate Dick Turpin is as mild as milk compared with him by the by now I think of it this gem conky gem as folks call him may know something about him he's a keen file I'll sound him thirty forty fifty there's the exact amount so much for Dick Turpin Dick Turpin thanks you for it in person said Dick suddenly snatching the whole sum from Patterson's hands and felling the chief constable with a blow or one of his pistols I wish I was as sure of escaping the gallows as I am certain that Patterson has got his reward you stare sir you are once more in the hands of the Philistines see who is at your elbow Coates who was terrified almost out of his senses by the sight of Turpin scarcely ventured to turn his head but when he did so he was perfectly horror stricken at the threatening aspect of Luke who held a cutlass in his hand which he had picked up in the ferryman's bedroom so you would condemn me for crimes I've never committed said Luke I'm tempted I own to add the destruction of your worthless existence to their number Mercy for God's sake mercy cried Coates throwing himself at Luke's feet I meant not what I said hence reptile said Luke pushing him aside I leave you to be dealt upon by others at this juncture the door of the hut was flung open and inrushed major mobré sword in hand followed by conky gem Daystand sir cried the latter upon him what? conky gem turned snitch upon his pals cried dick I scarce believe my own ears make yourself scarce dick growled gem the jiggers open and the boat loose leave Luke to his fate he's sold never vile traitor shouted dick tis thou art sold not he and almost there the words were spoken a bull was lodged in the brain of the treacherous ferryman major mobré meanwhile had rushed furiously upon Luke who met his assault with determined calmness the strife was sharp and threatened a speedy and fatal issue on the major side it was a desperate attack of cut and thrust which Luke had some difficulty in parrying but as yet no wounds were inflicted soldier as was the major Luke was not a wit inferior to him in his knowledge of the science of defence and in the exercise of the broadsword he was perhaps the more skillful of the two upon the present occasion his coolness stood him in admirable stead seeing him hard pressed Terpin would have come to his assistance but Luke shouted to him to stand aside and all that dick could do amid the terrific clash of steel was to kick the tables out of the way of the combatants Luke's aim was now slightly grazed by a cut made by the major which he had parried the smart of the wound roused his ire he attacked his adversary in his turn with so much vigor and goodwill that driven backwards by the irresistible assault major mobré stumbled over the ferryman's body which happened to lie in his way and his sword being struck from his grasp his life became at once at his assailants disposal Luke sheathed his sword major mobré said he sternly your life is in my power I spare it for the blood that is between us for your sister's sake I would not raise my hand against her brother I disclaim your kindred with me villain wrathfully exclaimed the major I hold you know otherwise than as a wrecked imposter who has set up claims he cannot justify and asked to my sister if you dare to couple her name and the major made an ineffectual attempt to raise himself and to regain his sword which Terpin however removed dare echoed Luke scornfully hereafter you may learn to fear my threats and acknowledge the extent of my daring and in that confidence I give you life listen to me sir I am bound for Rookwood I have private access to the house to your sister's chamber her chamber mark you that I shall go armed attended this night she shall be mine from you from Randolph from Lady Rookwood from all will I bear her off she shall be mine and you before the dawn my brother or and Luke paused what further villainy remains untold inquired the major fiercely you shall be whale your sister's memory replied Luke gloomily I embraced the latter alternative with rapture replied the major God grant her firmness to resist you but I tremble for her and the stern soldier groaned aloud in his agony he's a card to bind him said Turpin he must remain a prisoner here right said Alan Rookwood unless but enough blood has been shed already I Mary has there said Dick and I had rather not have given conky Gemma taste of blue plum had there been any other mode of silencing the snitching scoundrel which there was not as to the major he's a gallant enemy and shall have fair play as long as Dick Turpin stands by come sir I did he to the major as he bound him hand and foot with the rope I'll do it gently as I can you better submit with good grace there's no help for it and now for my friend Patterson he was so anxious to furnish me with a hemp and cravat before my neck was in order he shall have an extra twist of the rope himself to teach him the inconvenience of a tight neck cloth when he recovers saying which he bound Patterson in such a manner that any attempt at liberation on the chief constable's part would infallibly strangle him as to you Mr. Coats said he addressing the trembling man of law you shall proceed to Rookwood with us you may yet be useful and I'll accommodate you with a seat behind my own saddle a distinction I never yet conferred upon any of your tribe recollect the country man at the bowling green at York come along sir and having kicked out the turf fire Dick prepared to depart it would be vain to describe the feelings of rage and despair which agitated the major's bosom as he saw the party quit the hovel accompanied by coats aware as he was of their destination after one or two desperate but ineffectual attempts to liberate himself by which he only increased the painful constriction of his bonds without in the slightest degree ameliorating his condition he resigned himself with bitterest forebodings to his fate no one even to sympathize with his sufferings beside him lay the gory corpse of the ferrymen and at a little distance the scarcely more animate frame of the chief constable and here we must leave him to follow for a short space the course of Luke and his companions concerning themselves little about their own steeds the party took those which first offered and embarking man and horse in the boat soon pushed across the waters of the luchulent dawn arrived at the opposite banks of the river they mounted and guided by Luke after half an hour's sharp riding arrived at the skirts of Rookwood Park entering this beautiful silvan domain they rode for sometimes silently among the trees till they reached the knoll whence Luke had beheld the whore on the eventful night of the discovery of his mother's wedding ring a few days only had elapsed but during that brief space what storms had swept over his bosom what ravages had they not made he was then all ardour all impetuosity all independence the future presented a bright unclouded prospect wealth, honours and happiness apparently awaited him it was still the same exquisite scene hushed, holy, tranquil even solemn as upon that glorious night the moon was out silvering wood and water and shining on the white walls of the tranquil mansion some serene peaceful as ever beneath the trees he saw the bounding deer upon the water the misty reeds of vapor all all was dreamy, delightful soothing all save his heart there was the conflict there the change was it a troubled dream with the dark oppression of which he was struggling or was it stern, waking actual life that moments review of his wild career was terrible he saw to what extreme his ungovernable passions had hurried him he saw their inevitable consequences he also saw his own fate but he rushed madly on he swept round the park keeping under the covert of the wood till he arrived at the avenue leading to the mansion the stems of the aged limes gleamed silvery white in the moonshine Luke drew in the rain beneath one of the largest of the trees a branch has fallen said he as his grandsire joined him ha! exclaimed alan a branch from that tree it bodes ill to run off whispered luke does it not but jance muttered alan disavast bow we meet within an hour said luke abruptly within the tomb of our ancestry replied alan I will await you there and as he rode away alan murmured to himself the following verse from one of his own ballads but whether gale or calm prevail or threatened in cloud have fled by hand of fate predestinate a limb that tree will shed a verdant bow untouched I trow by axe or tempest's breath to rookward's head an omen dread a vast approaching death end of chapter 2 book 5 chapter 3 book 5 of rookward this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org this reading by paul curran rookward by william harrison ainsworth book 5 chapter 3 handasa heard it rumoured for these many years none of our family dies but there is seen the shape of an old woman which is given by tradition to us to have been murdered by her nephews for her riches such a figure one night as the prince sat up late at book appeared to him when crying out for help the gentleman of his chamber found his grace all in a cold sweat altered much in face and language since which apparition he hath grown worse and worse and much I fear he cannot live Duchess of Malfi in one of those large antique rooms belonging to the suite of apartments constituting the eastern wing of rookward place upon the same night as that in which the events just detailed took place and it might be about the same time sat ellena and her new attendant the gypsy handasa the eyes of the former were fixed with a mixture of tenderness and pity upon the lineaments of another lovely female countenance bearing a striking resemblance to her own though evidently from its attire and bygone costume not intended for her depicted upon a tablet and placed upon a raised frame it was neither witching hour of night the room was somber and dusky partially dismantled of its once flowing aris the light set upon the table feebly illumined its dreary extent tradition marked it out as the chamber in which many of the hapless dames of rookward had expired and hence superstition claimed it as her peculiar domain the room was reputed to be haunted and had for a long space shared the fate of haunted rooms complete desertion it was now tenanted by one too young too pure to fear unearthly elena seemed nevertheless affected by the profound melancholy of the picture upon which she gazed at length handasa observed her start and avert her eyes shudderingly from the picture take it hence exclaimed elena i've looked at that image of my ancestors till it has seemed endowed with life till its eyes have appeared to return my gaze and weep remove it handasa handasa silently withdrew the tablet placing it against the wall of the chamber not there, not there cried elena turn it with its face to the wall i cannot bear those eyes and now come hither girl draw nearer for i know not what of sudden dread has crossed thee this was her room handasa the chamber of my ancestors of all the ladies rookward where they say did you not hear a noise a rustle in the tapestry a footstep near the wall why you look as startled as i look wench stay by me i will not have you stir from my side it was me fancy no doubt lady said handasa with her eyes fixed upon the aris hissed exclaimed elena there it is again she's nothing replied handasa what her looks belied her words well i will command myself said elena endeavouring to regain her calmness but the thoughts of the lady elena for she wasn't elena like to me handasa and ah even more ill-fated and unhappy have brought a whole train of melancholy fantasies into my mind i cannot banish them, nay though painful to me i recur to these images of dread with a species of fascination as if in their fate i contemplated my own not one who hath wedded a rookwood but hath rude it yet you will wed one said handasa he's not like the rest said elena how know you that lady asked handasa his time may not yet become see what tomorrow will bring forth you are averse to my marriage with runoff handasa i was sible's handmaid ere i was yours lady i bear in mind a solemn compact with the dead which this marriage will violate you are plighted by oath to one other if he should demand your hand but he has not demanded it would you accept him were he to do so asked handasa suddenly i meant not that replied elena my oath annulled say not so lady cried handasa it was not for this that sible sped your life i love you but i loved sible and i would see her dying behests complied with it may not be handasa replied elena why from a phantom sense of honour am i to sacrifice my whole existence to one who neither can love me nor whom i myself could love and because in her blind idolatry of him sible enforced an oath upon me which i had no power to resist and which was mentally cancelled while taken recall not the horrors of that dreadful cell heard not the subject more tis in the hope that i may be freed from ever from this persecution that i have consented thus early to wed with runoff this will set luke's fancy claims at rest forever handasa answered not but bent her head as if in acquiescence steps were now heard near the door and a servant ushered in dr. small and mrs. mobré i am come to take leave of you for the night my dear young lady said the doctor but before i start for the vicarage i have a word or two to say in addition to the advice you were so obliging as to receive from me this morning suppose you allow your attendant to retire for a few minutes what i have got to say concerns yourself solely your mother will bear us company there continued the doctor as handasa was dismissed i am glad that dark-faced gypsy has taken her departure i can't say i like her sharp suspicious manner and the first exercise i should make at my powers were i to be your husband should be to discharge the handmaiden to the point of my visit we are alone i think this is a queer old house mrs. mobré and this is the queerest part of it walls have ears they say and there are so many holes and corners in this mansion that one ought never to talk secrets above one's breath i am yet to learn sir said elena that there is any secret to be communicated why not much i own replied the doctor at least what has occurred is no secret in the house by this time what do you think has happened it is impossible for me to conjecture nothing to rannel for i hope nothing of consequence i trust though he is part concerned with it what is it asked elena pray satisfy her curiosity doctor interposed mrs. mobré well then said small rather more gravely the fact of the matter stands thus lady rickward who as you know was not the meekest wife in the world now turns out by no means the gentlest mother and has within this hour found out that she has some objection to your union with her son you alarm me doctor don't alarm yourself at all it will be got over without difficulty and only requires a little management ran off is with her now and i doubt not will arrange all to her satisfaction what was her objection asked elena was it anyone founded upon my obligation to luke my oath tut tut dismissed that subject from your mind entirely said the doctor that oath is no more binding on your conscience than would have been the ties of marriage had you been wedded by yon recusant rommish priest father checkly upon whose guilty head the lord be merciful bestow not a thought upon it my anxiety together with that of your mother is to see you now as speedily as may be wedded to rannel and then that idle question is set at rest forever therefore even if such a thing were to occur as that lady rookward should not yield her consent to your marriage as that consent is totally unnecessary we must go through the ceremonial without it the grounds of lady rookward's objections said mrs. mobré i the grounds of her ladyship's objections interpose small who when he had once got the lead liked nobody to talk but himself as simply these and exactly the sort of objections one would expect her to raise she cannot bear the idea of abandoning the control of the house and estates to other hands she cannot and will not relinquish her station as head of the establishment which ranoff has insisted upon as your right i thought when i conversed with her on this subject that she was changed but natura mexbelas furka ta men uske recorit i beg your pardon she is and always will be the same why did not runoff concede the point to her i wish not to dwell here i care not for these domains for this mansion they have no charms for me i could be happy with runoff anywhere happier anywhere than here the kind hearted doctor squeezed her hand in reply brushing a tear from his eyes why did he not concede it said mrs. mobré proudly because the choice to remain not with him it was not his to concede this house these lands all all are yours and it were poorly quitted indeed if after they had so long been wrongfully withheld from us you should be a dependent upon lady rookwood without going quite so far as that madam said the doctor it is but justice to your daughter that she should be put in full possession of her rights nor should i for one instant advise or even allow her to inhabit the same house with lady rookwood her ladyship's peculiarities of temper are such as to preclude all possibility of happiness at the same time i trust by management always by management madam that her ladyship's quiet departure may be insured i understand at all such legal arrangements in the way of settlements as could be entered into between your daughter and her future husband are completed i have only to regret the absence of my friend mr. coats at this momentous conjucture it will be a loss to him but he inherits from his father a taste for thief taking which he is at present indulging to the manifest injury of his legitimate practice hack i hear ran off step in the gallery he will tell us the result of his final interview i came to give you advice my dear i did the doctor in a low tone to elena but i find you needed not who's so humblet himself shall be exalted i am glad you do not split upon the rock which has stranded half your generation at this moment ronald rook would enter the room followed by hand as a who took a station at the back of the room unperceived by the rest of the party whose attention was attracted by ronald's agitated manner what has happened asked dr. small and mrs. mobré in the same breath ronald hesitated for a moment in his answer during which space he regarded elena with the deepest anxiety and seemed revolving within himself how he could frame his reply in such a way as should be least painful to her feelings while with instinctive apprehension of coming misfortune mrs. mobré eagerly seconded the inquiries of her friends it is with great pain said he at length in a tone of despondency not unmingled with displeasure that i am obliged to discount upon the infirmities of a parent and to censure her conduct as severely as i may do now i feel the impropriety of such a step and i would willingly avoid it could i do so injustice to my own feelings and especially at a moment like the present when every hope of my life is fixed upon uniting myself to you dear elena by ties as near as my own to that parent but the interview which i've just had with lady rookwood bitter and heart breaking as it has been appeals me to reprobate her conduct in the strongest terms as harsh unjust and dishonourable and if i could wholly throw off the sun as she avows she has thrown off the mother i should unhesitately pronounce it a little short of dear ranoff said elena palpitating with apprehension i never saw you so much moved nor with so much reason rejoined ranoff for myself if i could anything but for you and does your dispute relate to me asked elena is it for my sake you have braved your mother's displeasure is it because lady rookwood is unwilling to resign the control of this house and these lands to me that you have parted in anger with her was this the cause of your quarrel it was the origin of it replied ranoff mother said elena firmly to mrs mobrie go with me to lady rookwood's chamber wherefore demanded mrs mobrie question me not dear mother i'll let me go alone daughter i guess your meaning said mrs mobrie sternly you would relinquish your claims in favour of lady rookwood is it not so since you oblige me to answer you mother said elena crimsoning i must admit that my meaning to lady rookwood as to yourself i would be a daughter as far as as consistent with my duty i did she blushing still more deeply but my first consideration shall be my husband and if lady rookwood can be content but pray question me not further accompany me to her chamber elena interposed ranoff dearest elena the sacrifice you make is unnecessary and called for you do not know my mother she would not i grieve to say appreciate the generosity of your motives she would not give you credit for your feelings she would only resent your visit as an intrusion my daughter comprehends you sir said mrs mobrie heartily i will take care that in her own house mrs mobrie shall remain free from insult mother dear mother said elena do not willfully misunderstand him you can be little aware madame said ranoff calmly yet sadly how much i have recently endured how much of parental anger how much of parental malediction i have incurred to save you and your daughter from the indignity you apprehend as i before said you do not know my mother nor could it enter into any well regulating imagination to conceive the extremities to which the violence of her passion will when the schemes are thwarted hurry her the terms upon which you met together will not escape your recollection nor shall i need to recall to your mind her haughtiness her coldness that coldness has since ripened into distrust and the match which she was at first all anxiety to promote she would now utterly set aside worried in her power to do so whence this alteration in her views and i have no means of ascertaining it is not my mother's custom to give a reason for her actions or her wishes it is all sufficient to express them i have perceived as the time has drawn nigh for the fulfilment of my dearest hopes that her unwillingness has increased until today what had hitherto been confined to hints has been openly expressed and absolute objections raised such however the peculiarity of her temper that i trusted even at the 11th hour i should be able to work a change alas our last meeting was decisive she commanded me to break off the match at once and preemptorily i refused pardon me madam pardon me dearest elena if i thus enter into particulars it is absolutely necessary i should be explicit enraged at my opposition to her wishes her fury became ungovernable with appalling implications upon the memory of my poor father and upon your father madam whose chief offence in her eyes was it seems the disposition of his property to elena she bade me be gone and take her curses as my wedding portion beneath this roof beneath her roof she added no marriage of mine should air take place i might go hence or might stay thought fitting but you and your daughter whom she characterised as intruders should not remain another hour within her house to this wild raving i answered with as much composure as i could command that she entirely mistook her own position and that so far from the odium of intrusion resting within you if applicable to anyone the term must necessarily affix itself on those who through ignorance had for years unjustly deprived the rightful owners of this place of their inheritance upon this her wrath was boundless she disowned me as her son disclaimed all maternal regard and heaped upon my head a frightful malediction at the recollection of which i still tremble i will spare you further details of this dreadful scene to me it is most distressing for however firmly resolved i may be to pursue a line of conduct which every sound principle within me dictates as the correct one yet i cannot be insensible to the awful responsibility i shall incur in bringing down a mother's curse upon my head nor to the jeopardy in which her own excessive violence may place her mrs. mobré listened to ranoff's explanation in hearty displeasure elena with throbbing tearful interest dr. smoll with mixed feelings of anger and astonishment lady ruckward's conduct said the doctor is you must forgive me my dear sir ranoff for using strong expressions outrageous beyond all precedent and only excusable on the ground of insanity to which i wish it were possible we could attribute it there is however too much method in her madness to allow us to indulge any such notion she shrewd dangerous and designing and since she has resolved to oppose this match she will leave no means untried to do so i scarcely know how to advise you under the circumstances that is if my advice were asked which i scarcely think it likely to be sir said mrs. mobré coldly after what has occurred i shall think it my duty to break off this alliance which i have never considered to be so desirable that its rupture will occasion me an instance on easiness a plague on all these ruckwards muttered small one would think all the pride of the prince of darkness were centred in their bosoms but madame continued the benevolent doctor have you no consideration for the feelings of your daughter or for those of one who is no distant relation to you your nephew your son major mobré is if i mistake not most eager for this union to take place between his sister and his friend my children have been accustomed to yield implicit obedience to my wishes said mrs. mobré and major mobré i am sure will see the propriety of the step i am about to take i am content at least to abide by his opinion snubbed again mentally ejaculated the doctor with a shrug of despair it is useless attempting to work upon such impracticable material ranoff remained mute in an attitude of profound melancholy an eloquent interchange of glances had passed between him and elena communicating to each the anxious state of the other's feelings at this crisis the door was suddenly opened and old agnes lady ruckwards aged attendants rushed into the room and sank upon her knees on the floor her limbs shaking her teeth chattering and every feature expressive of intense terror ranoff went instantly to water to demand the cause of her alarm no let me pray cried agnes as he took her hand in the attempt to raise her let me pray while there is yet time let the worthy doctor pray beside me pray for an overladen soul sir pray heartily as you would hope for mercy yourself ah little know the righteous of the terrors of those that are beyond the pale of mercy the lord pardoned my iniquities and absolve her whom do you mean asked ranoff in agitation you do not allude to my mother you have no longer a mother young man said agnes solemnly what exclaimed ranoff terror stricken is she dead she is gone gone how with her exclaimed all their amazement increasing each instant at the terror of the old woman and the apparently terrible occasion of it speak exclaimed ranoff but why do I loiter my mother perchance he's dying let me go the old woman maintained her clutching grasp which was strong and convulsive as that of one struggling betwixt life and death it's of no use I tell you it's all over said she the dead are come the dead are come and she's gone with her with her to the grave to the tomb said agnes in a deep and hollow tone and with a look that froze ranoff's soul listen to me runoff rook would my child my nurseling listen while I can speak we were alone your mother and I after that scene between you after the dark denunciation she had heaped upon the dead when I heard a low and gasping kind of sob and there I saw your mother staring wildly upon the vacancy as if she saw that of which I dare not think what do you think she beheld asked runoff quaking with apprehension that which had been your father returned agnes in a hollow tone don't doubt me sir you'll find the truth of what I say and on I'm sure he was there there was a thrilling speechless horror in the very sight of her countenance that froze my blood to ice to the ice in which it is now oh well at length she rose with her eyes still fixed and passed through the panel door without a word she is gone what madness is this cried runoff let me go woman tis that ruffian in disguise she may be murdered no no it was no disguise she is gone I tell you the room was empty all the rooms were empty the passage was void through the door they went together silently silently ghost like ha that tomb they are together now he has her in his arms see they are here they glide through the door do you not see them now did I not speak the truth she is dead and with a frantic and bewildering laugh the old woman fell upon her face runoff raised her from the floor but the shock of what she had beheld had been too much for her she was dead end of chapter 3 book 5