 CHAPTER 12 A NARROW ESCAPE HUNTFREE, SAID EDWARD, AS HE HELTED HIS BROTHER'S AINT. Yes, indeed. We may thank heaven for our preservation," replied Humphrey, and poor Smoker. Let's see if he was much hurt. I trust not, said Edward, going up to the dog, who remained quite still on the ground with his tongue out and painting violently. They examined poor Smoker all over very carefully, and found that there was no external wound. But on Edward pressing his side, the animal gave a low howl. It is there where the horn of the bull took him, observed Humphrey. Yes, said Edward, pressing and feeling softly. And yes, two of his ribs broken. Humphrey, see if you can get him a little water, that will recover him more than anything else. The bull has knocked the breath out of his body. I think you will soon be well again, poor fellow. Humphrey soon returned with some water from a neighbouring pool. He brought it in his head and gave it to the dog, who leapt it slowly at first, but afterward much faster and wagging his tail. He will do now, said Edward. We must give him time to recover himself. Now then, let us examine our quarry. Why, Humphrey, what a quantitative meat we have here. It will take three journeys to Limington at least. Yes, and no time to lose, for the weather is getting warm already, Edward. Now, what to do? Will you remain while I go home for the cart? Yes, it is no use both going. I will stay here and watch poor Smoker, and take off the skins ready by the time when you are back again. Leave me your knife as well as my own, for one will soon be blind. Humphrey gave his knife to Edward, and taking up his gun set off for the cottage. Edward had skinned two of the bulls before Humphrey's return. And Smoker, although he evidently was in great pain, was on his legs again. As soon as they had finished and quartered the beasts, the cart was loaded and they returned home. They had to return a second time, and both the pony and they were very tired before they sat down to supper. They found the gypsy boy very much recovered and in good spirits. Alice said that he had been amusing Edith and her by tossing up three potatoes at a time and playing them like balls. And that he had spun a platter upon an iron skewer and balanced it on his chin. They gave him some supper which he ate in the chimney corner, looking up and staring every now and then at Edith, to whom he appeared very much attached already. Is it good? said Humphrey to the boy, giving him another venison steak. Yes, not have so good supper in pithole! replied Pablo, laughing. Early on the following morning, Edward and Humphrey set off to Lamington with the cart laden with meat. Edward showed Humphrey all the shops and the streets they were in where the purchasers were to be made, introduced him to the landlord of the hostel tree, and having served the meat, they returned home. The rest of the meat was taken to Lamington and disposed off by Humphrey on the following day. And the day after that, the three skins were carried to the town and disposed off. We made a good day's work, Edward, said Humphrey, as he reckoned up the money they had made. We ended with some risk at all events, replied Edward. And now, Humphrey, I think it is time that I keep my promise to Oswald and go over to the Tenton's house and pay my visit to the young lady, as I presume she is. And certainly she has every appearance of being one. I want the visit to be over, as I want to be doing. How do you mean, Edward? I mean that I want to go out and kill some deer, but I will not do it till after I have seen her. Then I shall have acquitted myself of my visit. I intend to defy the intendant and all his verduous. But why should this visit prevent you going out this very day, if so inclined? I don't know, but she may ask me if I have done so, and I do not want to tell her that I have. Neither do I want to say that I have not, if I have, and therefore I shall not commence till after I have seen her. When will you set off? Tomorrow morning, and I shall take my gun, although Oswald desired me not. But after the fight we had with the wild cattle the other day, I don't think it prudent to be unarmed. Indeed, I do not feel comfortable without I have my gun at any time. Well, I shall have plenty to do when you are away. The potatoes must be hoed up, and I shall see what I can make of Master Pablo. He appears well enough, and he has played quite long enough. So I shall take him with me to the garden tomorrow, and set him to work. What a quantity of fruit! There is a promise of in the orchard this year. And, Edward, if this boy turns out of any use, and is of help to me, I think that I shall take all the orchard into garden, and then enclose another piece of ground, and see if we can not grow some corn for ourselves. It is the greatest expense that we have at present, and I should like to take my own corn to the mill to be ground. But will not grown corn require plough and horse? Said Edward. No. We will try it by hand. Two of us can take a great deal at odd times, and we shall have a better crop with the spade than with the plough. We have now so much manure, then we can afford it. Well, may it fit us to be done. It should be done at once, I'm free. Before the people from the other side of the forest come and find us out, or they will dispute our right to the enclosure. The forest belongs to the king-brother, and not to the parliament, and we are the king's leech men, and only look to him for permission, reply to him, I'm free. But what you say is true. The sooner it is done, the better, and I will about it at once. How much do you propose fencing in? About two or three acres. But that is more than you can dig this year or the next. I know that, but I will manure it without digging, and the grass will grow so rich to what it will outside of the enclosure that they will suppose it has been enclosed a long while. That is not a bad idea, I'm free, but I advise you to look well after that boy for he is of a bad race, and has not been brought up, I'm afraid, with two strict notions of honesty. Be careful, and tell your sisters also to be cautious, not to let him suppose that we have any money in the old chest, till we find out whether he is to be trusted or not. Better not let him know it under any circumstances, reply, I'm free. He may continue honest, if not tended by the knowledge that there is anything worth stealing. You're right, I'm free. Well, I will be off tomorrow morning, and get this visit over. I hope to be able to get all the news from her, now that her father's away. I hope to get some work out of this Pablo, reply, I'm free. How many things I could do if he would only work? Now, I'll tell you one thing, I'll dig a saw-pit and get a saw, and then I can cut out boards and build anything we want. The first time I go to Limington, I will buy a saw. I can afford it now, and I'll make a carpenter's bench for the first thing, and then, with some more tools, I shall get on. And then, Edward, I'll tell you what else I will do. Then I'm free, replied Edward, laughing. He must tell me some other time, for it is now very late, and I must go to bed, as I have to rise early. I know you have so many projects in your mind that it would take half the night to listen to all of them. Well, I believe what you say is true, replied I'm free, and it will be better to do one thing at a time and talk about doing a hundred. So we will, as you say, to bed. At sunrise, Edward and Humphrey were both up. Alice came out when they tapped at her doll, as she would not let Edward go without his breakfast. Edith joined them, and they went to prayers. While they were so employed, Pablo came out and listened to what they said. When prayers were over, Humphrey asked Pablo if he knew what they had been doing. No, not much. Because you pray sent to shine. No, Pablo, said Edith, pray to God to make us good. You're bad, then, said Pablo, mean not bad. Yes, Pablo, everybody very bad, said Alice, but if we try to be good, God forgives us. The conversation was then dropped, and as soon as Edward had made his breakfast, he kissed his sisters and wished Humphrey farewell. Edward threw his gun over his arm and, calling his puppy, which he had named Holfast, bathed Humphrey and his sisters farewell and set off on his journey across the forest. Holfast, as well as Humphrey's puppy, which had been named Watch, had grown very fine young animals. The first has been named Holfast because it would seize the pigs by the ears and lead them into the sky. And the other because it was so allowed at the least noise. But, as Humphrey said, Watch ought to have learned to lead the pigs, it being more in his line of business than Holfast's, which was to be brought up for hunting in the forest, while Watch was being educated as a house and farm yard dog. Edward had refused to take the pony, as Humphrey required it for the farm work, and the weather was so fine that he preferred walking. The more so, as it would enable him and his return across the forest to try for some venison, which he could not have done if he had been mounted on Billy's back. Edward walked quick followed by his dog, which he had taught to keep to heal. He felt happy, as people do who have no cares, from the fine weather, the deep green of the verdure chequered by the flowers in bloom and the majestic scenery which met his eye on every side. His heart was as buoyant as his steps, as he walked along, the light summer breeze fanning his face. His thoughts, however, which had been more of the chase of the clouds suddenly changed, and he became serious. For some time he had heard no political news of consequence, or what the Cummins were doing with the king. This reverie naturally brought to his mind his father's death, the burning of his property, and its sequestration, his cheeks coloured with indignation, and his brow was moody. Then he built castles for the future. He imagined the king released from his prison and leading an army against his oppressors. He fancied himself at the head of a troop of cavalry, charging the parliamentary horse. Victory was on his side. The king was again on his throne, and he was again in possession of the family estate. He was rebuilding the hall, and somehow or another it appeared to him that patience was standing by his side, as he gave directions to the artificers when his reverie was suddenly disturbed by whole-first barking and springing forward in advance. Edward, who had by this time got over more than half his journey, looked up and perceived himself confronted by a powerful man, apparently about forty years of age, and dressed as a verdi-rea of the forest. He thought at the time that he had seldom seen a person with a more sinister and forbidding countenance. Hold now young man! What are you doing here? said the man, walking up to him carrying the gun which he held in hand as he advanced. Edward quietly cocked his own gun, which was loaded, when he perceived that hostile preparation on the part of the other person, and then replied, I am walking across the forest, as you may perceive. Yes, I perceive you are walking, and you are walking with the dog in a gun. You will now be pleased to walk with me. Dear Steelers are not any longer permitted to range this forest. I am no dear Stealer, replied Edward. It will be quite sufficient to give me that title when you find me with venison in my possession. And as for going with you, that I certainly shall not, steer off, or you may meet will harm. Why, you young good for nothing, if you have not venison, it is not from any will not to take it. You are out in pursuit of it, that is clear. Come, come, you've the wrong person to deal with. My orders are to take up all poachers and take you I will. If you can, replied Edward, but you must first prove that you are able to do so. My gun is as good, and my aim is as sure as yours. Whoever you may be, I tell you again, I am no poacher, nor have I come out to take the deer, but to cross over to the Intendance Cottage, whether I am now going. I tell you thus much, that you may not do anything foolish. And having said this, I advise you to think twice before you act once. Let me proceed in peace, or you may lose your place. If you do not, by your own rashness, lose your life. There was something so cool and so determined in Edward's quiet manner, that the Verdera hesitated. He perceived that any attempt to take Edward would be at the risk of his own life, and he knew that his orders were to apprehend all poachers, and it was true that resistance with firearms would warrant his acting in self-defense, but admitting that he should succeed, which was doubtful, still Edward had not been caught in the act of killing venison, and he had no witnesses to prove what had occurred. He also knew that the Intended had given very strict orders as to the shedding of blood, which he was most averse to and there was something in Edward's appearance and manner so different from a common person that he was puzzled. Moreover, Edward had stated that he was going to the Intendance House. All things considered, as he found that bullying would not succeed, he thought it advisable to change his tone, and therefore said, You told me that you're going to the Intendance House, give business there I presume. If I took you prisoner, it is there that I should have conducted you. Young man, you may now walk on before me. I thank you, replied Edward, but walk on before you I will not, but if you choose to halfcock your gun again and walk by my side, I will do the same. Those are my terms and I will listen to no other. So be pleased to make up your mind as I am in haste. The vidira appeared very indignant at this reply, but after a time said, Be it so. Edward then uncocked his gun and his eyes fixed upon the man, and the vidira did the same. And then they walked side by side, Edward keeping at the distance of three yards from him, in case of treachery. After a few moments' silence, the vidira said, You tell me you're going to the Intendance House, it's not a term. But young mistress patience, as I presume, said Edward. Yes, replied the man, who, finding that it would appear to know so much about the Intendance Family, began to be more civil. Yes, she is at home. If I saw her in the garden this morning, and Oswald is here at home, rejoined Edward. Yes, he is. You appear to know our people, young man. Who may you be, if it is a fair question? It would have been a fair question had you treated me fairly, replied Edward. But as it is of no concern of yours, I shall leave you to find out. This reply puzzled the man still more, and he now, from the turn of authority, assumed by Edward, began to imagine that he had made some mistake, and that he was speaking to a superior, although clad in a forest of stress. He therefore answered humbly, observing that he had only been doing his duty. Edward walked on without making any reply. As they arrived within a hundred yards of the Intendance House, Edward said, I have now arrived at my destination, and am going into that house. As I told you, do you choose to end it with me, or will you go to Oswald's partridge and tell him that you have met with Edward Amateurch in the forest, and that I should be glad to see him? I believe you are under his orders, are you not? Yes, I am, replied the Madeira, and as I suppose that's all right, I shall go and deliver your message. Edward then turned away from the man and went into the wicked gate of the garden, and knocked at the door of the house. The door was opened by Patience, had the stone herself, who said, Oh, how glad I am to see you! Come in! Edward took off his hat and bowed. Patience led the way into a father's study, where Edward had first been received. And now, said Patience, extending a hand to Edward, Thanks, many thanks for you are preserving me from so dreadful a death. You don't know how unhappy I have been at not being able to give you my poor thanks for your courageous behaviour. Her hand still remained in Edward's while she said this. You read what I did too highly, replied Edward. I should have done the same for anyone in such distress. It was my duty as a man. Cavalier, he was about to say, but checked himself. Sit down, said Patience, taking a chair. No ceremony. I cannot treat as an inferior one to whom I owe such adept of gratitude. Edward smiled as he took a seat. My father's as grateful to you as I am. I'm sure he is. If I heard him, one at prayer, hold on blessings on your head. What can he do for you? I begged Oswald Patridge to bring you here that I might find out. Oh, so do pray let me know how we can show our gratitude in words. You have shown it already, Mistress Patience, replied Edward. Have you not honoured a poor forester with your hand in friendship and even admitted him to sit down before you? He who has preserved my life at the risk of his own becomes to me as a brother. At least I feel as a sister towards him. At that is still a dad whether indebted to a king or forester, Mistress Patience. That is the real word I hesitate it to have used. Do you imagine that I am ashamed of my calling? To tell you candidly the truth then, replied Patience, I cannot believe that you are what you profess to be. I mean to say that although a forester now you were never brought up as such. My father has an opinion allied to mine. I thank you both for your good opinion of me but I fear that I cannot raise myself above the condition of a forester. Nay, from your father's coming down here and the new regulations I have every chance of sinking down to the lower grade of a deor-stealer and poacher. Indeed, had it not been that I had my gun with me I should have been seized as such this very day as I came over. But you were not shooting the deer were you, sir? In quiet patience? No, I was not. Nor have I killed any since I last saw you. I am glad that I can say that to my father, replied Patience. It will much please him. He said to me that he thought you capable of much higher employment than any that could be offered here and only wished to know what you would accept. He has interest, great interest although just now it variance with the rulers of this country on account of the murder of the king you would or you should have said, Mistress Patience. I have heard how much he was opposed to that foul deed and I honour him for it. How kind, how truly kind you are to say so, said Patience your tears starting in eyes. What pleasure to hear my father's conduct praised by you. Why of course, Mistress Patience all of my way of thinking must praise him. Your father is in London, I hear. Yes, he is and that reminds me that you must want some refreshment after you walk. I will call Phoebe. So saying, Patience left the room. The fact was Mistress Patience was reminded that she had been sitting with a young man some time and alone with him which was not quite frappin' those times and when Phoebe appeared with a cold vines she retreated out of hearing but remained in the room. Edward but took of the meal offered him in silence. Patience occupying herself with her work and keeping her eyes fixed on it just when she gave a slight glance at the table to see if anything was required. When the meal was over Phoebe removed the tray and then Edward rose to take his leave. Nay, do not go yet. I have much to say first. Let me again ask you how we can serve you. I never can take any office under the present rulers of the nations so that question is at rest. I was afraid you would answer so, replied Patience gravely. Do not think I blame you for many are there already who would gladly retrace their steps if it were possible. They little thought when they opposed the king that affairs would have ended as they have done. Where do you live, sir? At the opposite side of the forest in a house belonging to me now but which was inherited by my grandfather. Do you live alone? Surely not. No, I do not. Nay, you may tell me anything if I would never repeat that might hurt you or you might not wish to have known. I live with my brother and two sisters for my grandfather is lately dead. Is your brother younger than you are? He is. And your sisters, what are their ages? They are younger still. You told my father that you lived upon your farm? We do. Is it a large farm? No, very small. And does that support you? That and killing wild cattle has lately? Yes and killing deer also until lately? You have guessed right. You were brought up at Ironwood you told my father, did you not? Yes, I was brought up there and remained there until the death of Colonell Beverly. And you were educated? Were you not? Yes, the chaplain told me what little I do know. Then if you were brought up in the house and educated by the chaplain surely Colonell Beverly never intended you for Forrester? He did not. I was to have been a soldier as soon as I was old enough to bear arms. Perhaps you are distinctly related to the late Colonell Beverly? No, I am not distantly related replied Edward, who began to feel uneasy at this close cross examination. But still had Colonell Beverly been alive and the King still required his services I have no doubt that I should have been saving under him at this time. And now, Mistress Patience that I have answered so many questions of yours may I be permitted to ask a little about yourself in return? Have you any brothers? None, I am an only child. Have you only one parent alive? Only one. What families are you connected with? Patience looked up with surprise at this last question My mother's name was Cooper She was assisted to Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper who is a person of well-known Indeed Then you are of gentle blood I believe so replied Patience with surprise Thank you for your condescension Mistress Patience And now, if you will permit me I will take my leave Before you go Let me once more thank you for saving a worthless life said Patience Well, you must come again when my father's here He will be about too glad to have an opportunity of thanking one who has preserved his only child Indeed, if you knew my father you would feel as much regret for him as I do He's very good although he looks so stern and melancholy But you have seldom smiled since my poor mother's death As to your father, Mistress Patience I would think as well as I can of one who's joined to a party which I hold in detestation I can say no more I must not say all that I know, or you would perhaps find out that he is not quite so wedded to that party as you suppose Neither his brother-in-law nor he are great friends of Cromwell's I can assure you, but this isn't confidence that raises him in my estimation But why then does he hold office He did not ask it It was given to him, I really believe because they wished him out of the way And he accepted it because he was opposed to what was going on and wished himself to be away At least I infer so much from what I have learned It is not an office of power or trust which leagues him with the present government No, only one which opposes him to me and my malpractices replied Edward Laughing You've shown great condensation to a poor forester And I have returned you many thanks for your kindness towards me I will now take my leave And when will you come and see my father I cannot say I fear that I shall not be able very soon to look in his injured face and it will not be well for a poacher to come near him replied Edward However, some day I may be taken and brought before you as a prisoner and then he is certain to see me I will not tell you to kill dear replied Patience But if you do kill them no one shall harm you or I know little of my power or my fathers Farewell then, sir and once more gratitude and thanks Patience held out her hand again to Edward who this time, like a true cavalier raised it respectfully to his lips Patience colored a little but did not attempt to withdraw it and Edward, with a low obedience, quitted the room End of Chapter 12 Chapter 13 of the Children of the New Forest 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 Maria Elmeng Copenhagen, Denmark May 2007 Chapter 13 of the Children of the New Forest by Frederick Merritt As soon as he was out of the intendant's house Edward hastened to the cottage of Oswald Petridge whom he found waiting for him for the Vedera had not failed to deliver his message You have had a long talk with Mistress Patience said Oswald after the first greeting and I'm glad of it as it gives you consequence here The round-head rascal whom you met was inclined to be very precise about doing his duty and insisted that he was certain that you were on the lookout for deer but I stopped his mouth by telling him that I often took you out with me as you were the best shot in the whole forest and that the intendant knew that I did so I think that if you were caught in the act of killing a deer you'd better tell them that you killed it by my request and I will bear you out if they bring you to the intendant who will I'm sure thank me for saying so You might kill all the deer in the forest for what you've done for him Many thanks but I do not think I can take advantage of your offer Let them catch me if they can and if they do catch me let them take me if they can I see so that you'll accept no favour from the round-heads replied Oswald However, as I am now headkeeper I shall take care that my men do not interfere with you if I can help it All I wish is to prevent any insult or indignity being offered to you They not being aware of who you are as I am Many thanks Oswald I must take my chance Edward then told Oswald of there having taken the gypsy boy in the pet at which he appeared much amused What is the name of the Vadir whom I met in the forest inquired Edward James Cobbled he was discharged from the army replied Oswald No, his face tells against him replied Oswald but I know nothing of him he has been here a little more than a fortnight Can you give me a corner to put my head in tonight Oswald for I shall not start till tomorrow morning You may command all I have sir replied Oswald but I fear there is little more than a hearty welcome I have no doubt that you could be lodged at the intendant's house if you chose No Oswald the young lady is alone and I will not trust to Phoebe's accommodation again I will stay here if you will permit me and welcome sir I will put your puppy in the kennel at once Edward remained there at night at Oswald's and a day like he rose and having taken a slight breakfast throwing his gun over his shoulder went to the kennel for holdfast and set off on his return home That is a very nice little girl were the words which Edward found himself constantly saying to himself as he walked along and she is of a grateful disposition or she would not have behaved as she has done towards me supposing me to be of mean both and then he thought of what she had told him relative to her father and Edward felt his animosity against the round head wasting faster way I am not likely to see her again very soon thought Edward unless indeed I am brought to the intendant as a prisoner thus thinking upon one subject to another Edward had gained above three miles of his journey across the forest when he thought that he was sufficiently far away to venture to look for some venison remembering there was a thicket nut far from him in which there was a clear pool of water Edward thought it very lightly that he might find a stag there cooling himself for the weather was now very warm at noon day he therefore called Holtfast to him and proceeded cautiously towards the thicket as soon as he arrived at the spot he crouched and crept silently through the underwood at last he arrived close to the cleared spot by the pool there was no stag there but fast asleep upon the turf lay James Corbund the sinister looking Videra who had accosted him in the forest on the previous day Holtfast was about to bark when Edward silenced him and then advanced to where the Videra was lying and who, having no dog with him to give notice of Edward's approach still remained snoring with the sun shining in his face Edward perceived that his gun was under him on the grass he took it up, gently opened the pan and scattered the powder and then laid it down again for, Edward said to himself that man has come out after me that certain and as there are no witnesses he may be inclined to be mischievous for a more wretched looking person I never saw had he been deer hunting he would have brought his dog but he is man hunting that is evident now I will leave him and should he fall in with anything he will not kill at the first shot that certain and if he follows me he will be covered thinking that if ever there was a face which proclaimed a man to be a murderer it was that of James Cobbled as he was threading his way he heard the howl of a dog and on looking round perceived that Holtfast was not with him he turned back and Holtfast came running to him the fact was that Holtfast had smelt some meat on the pocket of the Videra and had been putting his nose in to ascertain what it was and so doing he had wakened up Cobbled who had saluted him with a heavy blow on the head this occasioned the puppy to give the howl and also occasioned Cobbled to seize his gun and to follow stealthily in the track of the dog which he well knew to be the one he had seen the day before with Edward Edward waited for a short time and not perceiving that Cobbled made his appearance continued on his way home having now given up all thoughts of killing any venison Holtfast and was within six miles of the cottage when he stopped to drink at a small roll of water and then sat down to rest himself for a short time while so doing he fell into one of his usual reveries and forgot how time passed away he was however aroused by a low growl on the part of Holtfast and it immediately occurred to him that Cobbled must have followed him thinking it was well to be prepared he quietly loaded his gun and then rose up to Reconyter Holtfast sprung forward and Edward, looking in the direction perceived Cobbled partly hidden behind a tree with his gun levelled at him he heard the trigger pulled and the snap of the lock but the gun did not go off and then Cobbled made his appearance striking at Holtfast with a bad end of his gun Edward advanced to him and desired him to desist odd would be worse for him indeed Yonker it may be worse for you cried Cobbled it might have been if your gun had gone off replied Edward I did not aim at you I aimed at the dog and I will kill the brood if I can not without danger to yourself but it was not him that you aimed at your gun was not pointed low enough to hit the dog it was levelled at me you sneaking vretch and I have only to thank my own prudence for your sleepy head for having escaped with my life I tell you candidly that I threw the powder out of your pan while you were asleep if I served you as you deserve I should now put my bullet into you but I cannot kill a man who is defenseless and that saves your life but set off as fast as you can away from me for if you follow me I will show no more forbearance I weigh with you directly continued Edward raising his gun to his shoulder hitting it at cobalt if you do not be off I'll fire cobalt saw that Edward was resolute and thought proper to comply with his request he walked away till he considered himself out of gunshot and then commenced a torrent of oaths and abusive language with which we shall not offend our readers before he went farther he swore that he would have Edward's life before many days had passed and then shaking his fist he went away Edward remained where he was standing till the man was fairly out of sight and then proceeded on his journey it was now about four o'clock in the afternoon and Edward as he walked on said to himself that man must be of a very wicked disposition for I have offended him in nothing except in not submitting to be his prisoner and that is a fence to take a man's life for he is a dangerous man and will be more dangerous after being again foiled by me as he has been today I doubt if he will go home I am almost sure that he will turn follow me when he thinks that he can do so without my seeing him and if he does he will find out where our cottage is and who knows what mischief he may not do and how he may alarm my little sisters I'll not go home till dark and now I'll walk in another direction that I may mislead him Edward then walked away more to the north and every half hour shifted his course so as to be walking in a very different direction from where the cottage stood in the meantime it grew gradually dark and as it became so every now and then when Edward passed a large tree he turned around behind it and looked to see if cold was following him at last just as it was dark he received the figure of a man at no great distance from him who was following him running from tree to tree so as to make his approach oh you are there thought Edward now I will give you a nice little dance and we will see whose legs are tired soonest let me see where am I Edward looked around and then perceived that he was close to the clump of trees where Humphrey had made his pitfall for the cattle and there was a clear spot of about a quarter of a mile between it and where he now stood Edward made up his mind and immediately walked out to cross the clearing calling hold fast to heal it was now nearly dark for there was only the light of the stars but still there was sufficient light to see his way as Edward crossed the cleared spot he once looked around and perceived that cobbled was following him and nearer than he was before trusting probably to the increased darkness to hide his approach that would do thought Edward come along my fine fellow and Edward walked on till he came to the pitfall there he stopped and looked around and soon discovered the vidira at a hundred yards distance Edward held his dog by the mouth that he should not growl or bark and then went on in a direction so as to bring the pitfall exactly between cobbled and himself having done so he proceeded at a more rapid pace and cobbled, following him also increased his till he arrived at the pitfall which he could not perceive and fell into it headlong as he fell into the pit at the same time Edward heard the discharge of his gun the crash of the small branches laid over it and a cry on the part of cobbled that will do thought Edward now you may lie there as long as the gypsy did and that will cool your courage Humphrey's pitfall is full of adventure in this case it has done me a service now I may turn and go home as fast as I can come hold fast old boy I can answer for one if I could eat the whole of that pasty which Oswald said before me this morning Edward walked at a rapid pace quite delighted at the issue of the adventure as he arrived near to the cottage he found Humphrey outside with Pablo on the lookout for him he soon joined them and soon after embraced Alice and Edith who had been anxiously waiting for his return and who had wondered at his being out so late giving my supper my dear girls said Edward and then you shall know all about it as soon as Edward had satisfied his craving appetite for he had not as my readers must recollect even anything since his departure early in the morning from the houses of Oswald Patriarch he entered into a narrative of the events of the day they all listened with great interest and when Edward was finished Pablo the gypsy boy jumped up and said now he is in the pit tomorrow morning I take gun and shoot him no no Pablo you must not do that replied Edward laughing Pablo said little Edith can't sit down you must not shoot people he shoot master then said Pablo he very bad man but if you shoot him you will be a bad boy Pablo replied Edith who appeared to have assumed an authority over him Pablo did not appear to understand this but he obeyed the order of his little mistress and resumed his seat at the chimney corner but Edward said Humphrey what do you propose to do I hardly know my idea was to let him remain there for a day or two and then send to Oswald to let him know where the fellow was the only objection to that is replied Humphrey did you say his gun went off as he fell into the pit it may be probable that he is wounded and if so he might die if he is left there you are right Humphrey that is possible and I would not have the life of a fellow creature in my conscience I think it would be advisable Edward that I should set off early tomorrow on the pony and see Oswald tell him all that has occurred and show him where the pitfall is I believe that would be the best plan Humphrey yes said Alice it would be dreadful that a man should die in so wicked a state let him be taken out and perhaps he will repent won't God punish him brother said Edith yes my dear soon or later the vengeance of heaven overtakes the wicked but I'm very tired after so long a walk prayers and then to bed the danger that Edward had incurred that day was felt strongly by the whole party and with the exception of Pablo there was honest devotion and gratitude to heaven when their prayers were offered up Humphrey was off before daybreak and at nine o'clock had arrived at the cottage of Oswald by whom he was warmly greeted before the course of his expected arrival was made known Oswald was greatly annoyed at Humphrey's narration and appeared to be very much of the opinion of Pablo which was to leave the scoundrel where he was but on the remonstrance of Humphrey he set off with two of the other vaderers and before nightfall Humphrey arrived at the pitfall where they heard cobbled groaning below who's there? said Oswald looking into the pit it's me, it's cobbled replied the main are you hurt? yes, badly when I fell my gun went off and the ball has gone through my thigh I've almost bled to death Humphrey went for the ladder which was at hand and with much exertion on the part of the whole four of them then contrived to drag out cobbled who groaned heavily with pain the handkerchief was tied tightly around his leg to prevent any further bleeding and they gave him some water which revived him now what's to be done? said Oswald we can never get him home I will tell you, said Humphrey, walking with him aside it will not do for any of these men to know our cottage and we cannot take them there desire them to remain with the man while you go for a cart to carry him home we'll go to the cottage give Billy his supper and then return with him in the cart and bring your men something to eat then I will go with you and bring the cart back again before daylight it will be a night's work but it will be the safest plan I think so too, replied Oswald who decided the men to wait until this return as he was going to borrow a cart and then set off with Humphrey as soon as they arrived at the cottage Humphrey gave the pony to Pablo to put into the stable and feed and then communicated to Edward the state of Cobald it's almost a pity that he had not killed himself outright observed Oswald it would have been justice to him for attempting your life without any cause he is a bloodthirsty scoundrel and I wish he was anywhere but where he is however the intendant shall know of it and I have no doubt that he will be discharged do nothing in a hurry Oswald replied Edward at present let him give his own version of the affair and prove more dangerous when discharged than when under your control now sit down and take your supper Billy must have an hour to get his and therefore there's no hurry for you that as you dips you lied Edward is he not, said Oswald, yours I like the boys' lurks but they are a queer race you must not trust him too much continued Oswald in an undertone until you have tried him and are satisfied of his fidelity they are very excitable of strong attachment if well treated that I know for I did a gypsy a good turn once and it proved to be the saving of my life afterwards oh tell us how Oswald, said Oswald it's too long a story now my dear little lady replied Oswald but I will another time whatever he may do do not strike him for they will never forgive a blow I am told by those who know them and it never does them any good as I said before they are a queer race he will not be beaten by us replied Humphrey, depend upon it unless Edith slaps him for she is the one who takes most pains with him and I presume he would not care much for her little hand oh no, replied Oswald laughing, Edith may do as she pleases what does he do for you oh, nothing as yet for he's hardly recovered for a fellow replied Humphrey he follows Edith and helps her look for the eggs and last night he sets some springs after his own fashion and certainly beat me for he took three rabbits and a hare while I, with all my traps only took one rabbit I think you had better leave that part of your livelihood entirely to him he has been bred up to at Humphrey and it will be his amusement you must not expect him to work very hard they are not accustomed to it they never work if they can help it still if you can make him fond of you you may be very useful very clever and handy I hope to make him useful, replied Humphrey but still I will not force him to do what he does not like he's very fond of the pony already and likes to take care of him bring him over to me one of these days so that he may know where to find me it may prove of consequence if you have a message to send and cannot come yourselves that is very true, replied Edward I shall not forget it Humphrey, shall your eye go with the cot Humphrey, by all means it will not do for them to suppose I had the cot from you, Edward they do not know Humphrey and he will be off again in the morning before they are up very true, replied Edward and it is time for us to set off replied Oswald Will Mistress Alice oblige me with something for my men to eat for they have fasted the whole day Yes, replied Alice I will have it ready before the pony is in the cot come with me Humphrey then went out to harness the pony and when all was ready he and Oswald set off again when they arrived at the pitfall they found Cobbled lying between the two other Videras who was sitting by his side Cobbled was much recovered since his wound had been bound up and he was raised up and put on the fodder which Humphrey had put into the cot and they proceeded on their journey to the other side of the forest the Videras eating what Humphrey had brought for them as they walked along it was a tedious and painful journey for the wounded man who shrieked out when the cot was jolted by the wheel getting into a rut or hole but there was no help for it and he was very much exhausted when they arrived which was not till past midnight Cobbled was then taken to his cottage and put on the bed and another Videra sent for a surgeon those who had been with Oswald were glad to go to bed but had been a fatiguing day for three hours and then again returned with Billy who, although he had crossed the forest three times in the 24 hours appeared quite fresh and ready to go back again I will let you know how he gets on Humphrey and what account he gives of his falling into the pet but you must not expect me for fortnight at least Humphrey wished Oswald good-bye and Billy was so anxious to get back to the stable that Humphrey could not keep him at a quiet pace Horses and all animals indeed know that there is no place like home it is a pity that men who consider themselves much wiser have not the same consideration thought Humphrey as the pony trotted along Humphrey thought a good deal about the danger that Edward has been subjected to and such himself I really think that I should be more comfortable as Edward was away I am always in a fidget about him I wish the new king who is now in France would raise an army and come over it is better that Edward should be fighting in the field than remain here and risk being shot as a deer stealer or put in the prison the farm is sufficient for us all and when I have taken in more ground it will be much more than sufficient even if I do not kill the wild cattle I am fit for the farm but Edward does not he is thrown away living in this obscurity and he feels it he will always be in hot water somewhere or another that is certain yet what a narrow escape he has had with that scoundrel and yet how little he cares for it he was intended for soldier that is evident and if ever he is one he will be in his element and distinguish himself if he pleases God to spare his life I will persuade him to stay at home for a little while to help me enclose the other piece of ground after that is done I will dig a saw pit and see if I can coax Pablo to saw with me I must go to Limington and buy a saw if I once could get the trees sawed up into planks what a quantity of things I could make and how I could improve the place thus thought I am free as he went along he was all for the farm and improvements and was always calculating when he should have another calf or fresh litter of pigs his first idea was that he should make Pablo work hard but the advice he had received from Oswald was not forgotten and he now was thinking that he should coax Pablo into standing below in the saw pit which was not only hard work but disagreeable from the sawdust falling into the ice Humphrey's cogitations were interrupted by a hello and turning around in the direction of the voice he perceived Edward and turned the cart to join him you've come just in time Humphrey I have some provision for Alice's Lada I took my gun and came on the path which I knew you would return by and I have killed a young buck he is good meat and we are scarce of provisions Humphrey helped Edward to put the venison in the cart and they returned to the cottage which was not more than three miles off Humphrey told Edward the result of his journey and then proposed that Edward should stop at home for a few days and help him with the new enclosure to this Edward cheerfully consented and as soon as they arrived at the cottage and Humphrey had his breakfast they took their axes and went out to fellow cluster of small spruce fir about a mile off End of Chapter 13 Chapter 14 of The Children of the New Forest This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org The Children of the New Forest The Children of the New Forest by Frederick Marriott Chapter 14 Now Humphrey, what do you propose to do? This replied Humphrey I have marked out three acres or thereabout of the land running in a straight line behind the garden There is not a tree on it and it is all good feeding ground What I intend to do is to enclose it with the spruce fir posts and rails that we are about to cut down and then set a hedge upon a low bank which I shall raise all round inside the rails I know where there are thousands of seedling thorns which I shall take up in the winter or early in the spring to put in as the bank will be ready for them by that time Well, that's all very good but I fear it will be a long while before you have such a quantity of land dug up Yes, of course it will but Edward, I have plenty of manure to spare and I shall put it all over this land and then it will become a rich pasture and also an earlier pasture than what we can get from the forest and it will be very handy to turn the cows and the calves upon or even Billy if we want him in a hurry All that is very true, replied Edward so that it will be useful at all events if you do not dig it up Indeed it will, replied Humphrey I only wish it were six acres instead of three I can't say I do, replied Edward laughing, you are too grand in your ideas I only think what a quantity of spruces we shall have to cut down on it I can't say I do, replied Edward but with spruces we shall have to cut down on it to post and rail what you just propose let it be three acres first, Humphrey and when they are enclosed you may begin to talk of three more Well, perhaps you are right, Edward said Humphrey Why, here's Pablo coming after us he's not coming to work, I presume but to amuse himself by looking on I don't think he's strong enough to do much hard work, Humphrey although he appears very ingenuous No, I agree with you work, depend upon it it must not be by having work set out for him he would take a disgust to it directly I have another plan for him and what is that, Humphrey? I shall not set him anything to do and shall make him believe that I do not think he is able to do anything that will pique him and I think by that means I shall get more work out of him than you would think especially when, after he has done it I express my wonder and give him praise but the idea that you will work upon his pride which is probably stronger than his laziness I do not think him lazy but I think him unused to hard work and having lived a life of wandering and idleness not very easy to be brought to constant and daily work except by degrees and by the means which I propose Here we are, continued Humphrey throwing his axe and bill-hook down and proceeding to take off his doublet Now, for an hour or two Edward followed parents to it the sweat of the brow Edward followed Humphrey's example in taking off his doublet they selected the long thin trees most fitted for rails and were hard at work when Pabble came up to them more than a dozen trees had fallen and lay one upon the other before they stopped a while to recover themselves a little Well, Pabble said Humphrey, wiping his forehead I suppose you think looking on to cut down trees four to make posts and rails to fence in more ground I should not leave the boughs on No, cut them off by and by and then put poles on the cart and carry them home Edward and Humphrey then recommenced their labour and worked for another half hour when they paused to recover their wind Hard work, Pabble said Humphrey Yes, very hard work Pabble not strong enough No work this for gypsies they take birds' nests and catch rabbits Yes, replied Pabble nodding, and you eat them So he does, Pabble, said Edward So you are useful in your way for if he had nothing to eat he would not be able to work Strong man cut down trees weak man catch rabbits Both good, said Pabble Yes, but strong man like work not strong man not like work, Pabble So now look on again for we must have another spell Strong man cut down trees not strong man cut off branches said Pabble taking up the billhook and setting to work to cut off the boughs which he did with great dexterity and rapidity Edward and Humphrey exchanged glances and smiles and then worked away in silence till it was as they supposed dinner time They were not wrong in their supposition although they had no other clock than their appetites which, however, tell the time pretty correctly to those who work hard Alice had the platters on the table and was looking out to see if they were coming Why, Pabble, have you been at work? said Edith Yes, little Missy, work all the morning Indeed he has, and worked very well and been very useful, said Edward It has given you an appetite for your dinner, Pabble, has it not? said Humphrey Have that without work! replied the boy Pabble, you are a very good gypsy boy, said Edith Padding his head with a patronizing air I shall let you walk out with me and carry the basket to put the eggs in when you come home in the evening That is a reward, said Humphrey, laughing After dinner they continued their labour and by supper time had so many trees cut down that they determined to carry home the next day and lay them along to see how many more they would want While they put the trees in the cart and took them home, Pabble contrived to lop off the boughs to take away As soon as they had cut down sufficient and carted them home they then selected shorter trees for posts and when Pabble had cleared them of the boughs they sawed them out the proper lengths and then carted them home This occupied nearly the whole week and then they proceeded to dig holes and set the posts in The railing was then to be nailed to the posts and that occupied them three days more so that it was altogether a fortnight of hard work before the three acres There, said Humphrey, that's a good job over Many thanks, Edward, for your assistance and thank you too, Pabble for you really have helped us very much indeed and are a very useful good boy Now for raising the bank that I must do when I can spare time but my garden is overrun with weeds and I must get Edith and Alice to help me there If you don't want me any longer Humphrey, said Edward I think I shall go over to see Oswald and take Pabble with me I want to know how that fellow Corbould is and what he says and whether the intendant has come back not that I shall go near him or his good little daughter but I think I may as well go and it will be a good opportunity of showing Pabble the way to Oswald's cottage I think so too and when you come back, Edward one of us must go to Limington for I require some tools and Pabble is very ragged he must have some better clothes than these old ones of ours Certainly I do and I want a thousand things, said Alice Indeed, mistress won't less than a thousand content you Yes, perhaps not quite a thousand but I really do want a great many and I will make you a list of them I have not pans enough for my milk I want salt, I want tubs but I'll make out a list and you will find it a very long one Well, I hope you have something to sell to pay for them Yes, I have plenty of butter salted down Have you, Edith? Oh, my chickens are not large enough yet as soon as they are Humphrey must get me some ducks and geese for I mean to keep some and by and by I will have some turkeys but not yet I must wait till Humphrey builds me the new house for them he has promised me I think you are right Edith about the ducks and geese they will do well on the water behind the yard and I will dig you out a bigger pool for them Edith, my dear your little fingers are just made to weed my onions well I wish you would do it tomorrow morning if you have time Yes, Humphrey but my little fingers won't smell very nice afterward not till you have washed them, I guess but there is open water, you know Yes, I know there is but if I weed the onions I cannot help Alice to make the butter however, if Alice can do without me I will do it I want some more seeds, sadly, said Humphrey and I must make out my list I must go to Limington myself this time, Edward for you will be puzzled with all our wants not if I know exactly what you do want but as I really do not and probably should make my mistakes I think it will be better if you do go but it is bedtime and as I shall start early good night, sisters I beg you will let me have something to eat before I start I shall try for some venison as I come back and shall take smoker with me he is quite well again and his ribs are as stowed as ever and Edward, said Alice I wish when you kill any venison that you would bring home some of those parts which you usually throw away for I assure you now that we have three dogs I hardly know how to find enough for them to eat I'll not fail Alice, replied Edward and now once more, good night Early the next morning Edward took his gun and with Pablo and smoker set off for Oswald's cottage Edward talked a great deal with Pablo relative to his former life and by the answers which the boy gave him was satisfied that notwithstanding his doubtful way of bringing up the lad was not corrupted but was a well-minded boy as they walked through a grove of trees Edward still talking Pablo stopped and put his hand before Edward's mouth and then stooping down at the same time seizing smoker by the neck he pointed with his finger Edward at first could see nothing but eventually he made out the horns of an animal just rising above a hillock it was evidently one of the wild cattle Edward cocked his gun and advanced cautiously while Pablo remained where he was smoker as soon as he was near enough to hit the head of the animal Edward leveled and fired and Pablo let smoker loose who bounded forward over the hillock they followed the dog and found him about to seize a calf which stood by a heifer that Edward had shot Edward called him over and went up to the animal it was a fine young heifer and the calf was not more than a fortnight old we cannot stop now Pablo said Edward Humphrey would like to have the calf and we must take our chance of its remaining by its mother till we come back I think it will for a day or two so let us push on no further adventure happened and they arrived a little afternoon at Oswald's cottage he was not at home his wife saying that she believed that he was with the intendant who had come back from London the day before but I will put on my hood and see said the young woman in a few minutes she returned with Oswald I'm glad that you have come sir said Oswald as Edward extended his hand as I have just seen the intendant and he has been asking many questions about you I am certain he thinks that you are not the grandson of Jacob Armitage and that he supposes I know who you are he asked me where your cottage was and whether I could take him to it as he wished to speak to you and said that he felt great interest about you and what did you say that Oswald's cottage was a good day's journey from here and I was not certain that I knew the exact way as I had been there but seldom but that I knew where to find it after I saw the forests of Arnwood I told him about Corbould and his attempt upon you and he was very wroth I never saw him moved before and young mistress patience she was indeed angry and perplexed and begged her father to send the assailant away as soon as he could be moved and then asked me what account Corbould gave of himself and his falling into the pit I told him that Corbould stated that he was following a deer which he had severely wounded about noon day and having no dog with him he could not overtake it although he knew by its bleeding track that it could not hold out much longer that he followed it until nightfall and had it in view and close to him when he fell into the pit well the story was not badly made up said Edward only for a deer read man and what did the intendant say to that he said that he believed you and that Corbould's story was false as if it had been a stag that he was following no one would have known that he had fallen into the pit and he would have remained there till now I quite forgot to say that when the intendant said that he wished to call at your cottage the young mistress said that she wished to go with him as you had told her that you had two sisters living with you and she wished very much to see them as their acquaintance I'm afraid that we shall not be able to prevent this visit Oswald, replied Edward he is in command here and the forest is in his charge we must see to it I only should like if possible to have notice of his coming that we may be prepared you need no preparation sir if he should come replied Oswald very true said Edward we have nothing to conceal and if he finds us in a pickle it is of no consequence let your sisters be at the wash-tub and you and your brother carding manure he will then be more likely to have no suspicion of your being otherwise than what you assumed to be have you heard any news from London Oswald? not as yet I was away yesterday evening when Master Heatherstone came back and I have not seen his man this morning while you eat your dinner I will go into the kitchen and if he is not there Phoebe will be sure to tell me all that she has heard do not say that I am here Oswald I wish to see the intendant Mum's the word sir but you must stay in the cottage or others will see you and it may come to his ears Oswald's wife then put before him a large pie and some wheat and bread with a bigon of good beer Edward helped Pablo to a large allowance and then filled his own platter while thus occupied Oswald Partridge had left the cottage as agreed what do you say Pablo do you think you can walk back tonight? yes, like walking at night my people always do, sleep in a daytime well, I think it will be better to go home Oswald has only one bed and I do not wish them to know that I am here so Pablo, eat heartily and then we shall not be so tired I want to get home that I may send Humphrey after the calf one bed here, you stay replied Pablo I go home and tell Master Humphrey do you think you'll be able to find your way Pablo? once go one way always no same way again you are a clever fellow Pablo and I have a mind to try you now drink some beer I think Pablo you shall go home and tell Humphrey that I and Smoker will be where the heifer lies dead and have it skinned by nine o'clock tomorrow morning so if he comes he will find me there yes, I go now no, not now, you must rest yourself a little more Pablo not tired replied the gypsy getting up be back before supper as I go along look at calf and dead cow very well then if you wish it you may go now said Edward Pablo nodded his head and disappeared a few minutes afterward Oswald made his appearance is the boy gone? yes, he's gone back to the cottage and Edward then stated how he'd killed the heifer and wanted to obtain the calf I have an idea that you will find that boy very useful if he's properly managed I think so too replied Edward and I'm glad to perceive that he's already attached to all of us we will treat him as ourselves you are right and now for the news that I have to tell you the Duke Hamilton, the Earl of Holland and Lord Capel have been tried condemned and executed Edward sighed more murder but we must expect it from those who have murdered their king is that all? no, King Charles II has been proclaimed in Scotland and invited to come over that is indeed news replied Edward, where is he now? at the Hague but it was said that he was going to Paris that is all you have heard? yes, that was what was current when Master Heatherstone was in town his man Sampson gave me the news and he further said that his master's journey to London was to oppose the execution of the three lords but it was all in vain well replied Edward after a pause if the king does come over there will be some work cut out for some of us your news has put me in a fever continued Edward taking up the bigon and drinking a large draft of beer I thought it would, replied Oswald but until the time comes the more quiet you keep the better yes, Oswald, but I can't talk any more I must be left alone to think I'll go to bed as I shall be off early in the morning is that fellow Corbould getting well? yes, sir, he is out of bed and walks a little with a stick but he is still very lame for some time good night, Oswald if I have anything to say I will write and send the boy I do not want to be seen here any more it will be best, sir good night I will put Smoker in the kennel to the right as he will not be friendly with the other dogs Edward retired to bed but not to sleep the Scots had proclaimed the king and invited him over he will surely come, thought Edward and he will have an army round him to join the army as soon as he should hear that the king had landed and what with considering how he should be able so to do and afterward building castles as to what he would do it was long before he fell asleep and when he did he dreamed of battles and victory he was charging at the head of his troops he was surrounded by the dying and the dead he was wounded and he was somehow or other well again as if by magic and then the scene was changed by his own lawless men and preserving the life of her father which was about to be sacrificed and at last he awoke and found that the daylight peeped through the windows and that he had slept longer than he intended to do he arose and dressed himself quickly and not waiting for breakfast went to the kennel released Smoker from his endurance and set off on his return before nine o'clock he had arrived at the spot where the heifer lay dead he found the calf still by its side and found uneasily as he approached with the dog it went to a farther distance and there remained Edward took out his knife and commenced skinning the heifer and then took out the inside the animal was quite fresh and good but not very fat as may be supposed while thus occupied Smoker growled and then sprung forward bounding away in the direction of the cottage and Edward thought Humphrey was at hand in a few minutes the pony and cart appeared between the trees and Pablo in it and Smoker leaping up at his friend Billy good morning Humphrey said Edward I am almost ready for you but the question is how are we to take the calf it is as wild as a deer it will be a puzzler without Smoker can run it down said Humphrey I take him with Smoker said Pablo how will you take it Pablo went to the cart and took out a long small cord which Humphrey had brought with them he coiled the rope in his hand and then threw it out to its full length by way of trial this way I take him suppose I get near enough this way take bulls in Spain call him lasso now come with me Pablo had his rope again coiled in his hand and then went round to the other side of the calf which still remained lowing at about two hundred yards distance now tell Smoker Humphrey set Smoker upon the calf the dog presenting his head to run at it and Pablo kept behind the animal while Smoker attacked it and drove it near to him as soon as the calf which was so busy with the dog that it did not perceive Pablo came sufficiently near to him Pablo threw his rope and caught the loop round the animal's neck the calf set off galloping toward Humphrey and dragging Pablo after him for the ladder was not strong enough to hold it Humphrey went to his assistance and then Edward and the calf was thrown down by Smoker who seized it by the neck and it was tied and put on the cart in a few minutes well done Pablo you are a clever fellow said Edward and this calf shall be yours it is a cow calf said Humphrey which I am glad of Pablo you did that well and as Edward says the calf belongs to you Pablo looked pleased but said nothing the meat and hide were put into the cart with some of the awful which Alice had asked for the dogs to get off on their return home Humphrey was very anxious to go to Lamington and was not sorry that he had some meat to take with him he determined to get off the next morning and Edward proposed that he should take Pablo with him that he might know the way there in case of any emergency for they both felt that Pablo could be trusted Edward said he would remain at home with his sisters and see if he could be of any use to Alice if not there would be work in the garden Humphrey and Pablo went away after breakfast with Billy and the meat and skin of the heifer in the cart Humphrey had also a large basket of eggs and three dozen of chickens from Alice to be disposed of and a list as long as the tale of a kite of articles which she and Edith required fortunately there was nothing very expensive on the list long as it was but women in those days required needles pins, buttons, tapes, thread, worsted and a hundred other little necessaries as they do now and as soon as they were gone Edward who was still castle building instead of offering his services to Alice brought out his father's sword and commenced cleaning it when he had polished it up to his satisfaction he felt less inclined than ever to do anything so after dinner he took his gun and walked out into the forest that he might indulge in his reveries he walked on quite unconscious of the direction in which he was going and more than once finding his hat knocked off by the branch of a tree most of all possible reasons because his eyes were cast on the ground when his ears were saluted with the naing of a horse he looked up and perceived that he was near to a herd of forest ponies the first that he had seen since he had lived in the forest this roused him and he looked about him where can I have been wandering to thought Edward I never fell in with any of the forest ponies before I must therefore have walked in a direction quite contrary to what I usually do I do not know where I am the scenery is new to me what a fool I am it's lucky that nobody except Humphrey digs pitfalls or I should probably have been in one by this time and I've brought out my gun and left the dog at home well I suppose I can find my way back Edward then surveyed the whole herd of ponies which were at no great distance from him there was a fine horse or two among them which appeared to be the leaders of the herd they allowed Edward to approach to within two hundred yards and then with mains and tails streaming in the air they darted off with the rapidity of the wind now I'll puzzle Humphrey when I go back thought Edward he says that Billy is getting old and that he wishes he could get another pony I will tell him what a plenty there are and propose that he should invent some way of catching one that will be a poser for him yet I'm sure that he will try for he is very ingenious and now which way am I to turn to find my way home not to be the North but which is North for there is no sun out and now I perceive it looks very like rain I wonder how long I've been walking I'm sure I don't know Edward then hurried in a direction which he considered might lead him homeward and walked fast but he once more fell into his habit of castle building and was talking to himself the king proclaimed in Scotland he will come over of course I will join his army and then he went on again absorbed in the news which he had gained from Oswald till on a sudden he again recollected himself and perceived that he had lost sight of the cops of trees on a high hill to which he had been directing his steps where was it he turned round and round and at last found out that he had been walking away from it I must dream no more thought he or if I do indulge in any more daydreams I certainly shall neither sleep nor dream tonight it is getting dark already here I am lost in the forest and all through my own foolishness if the stars do not shine I shall not know how to direct my steps indeed if they do I don't know whether I've walked south or north and I am in a pretty pickle not that I care for being out in the forest on a night like this but my sisters in Humphrey will be alarmed at my absence the best thing that I can do is to decide upon taking some straight line and continuing it I must then get out the forest at last and walk right across it that will be better than going backward and forward or round and round as I shall otherwise do just like a puppy running after its own tail so now shine out stars Edward waited until he could make out Charles Wayne which he well knew and then the Polar Star as soon as he was certain of that he resolved to travel by it do north and he did so sometimes walking fast and at others keeping up a steady trot and stopping as he was proceeding on his travels he observed under some trees ahead of him a spark of fire emitted he thought it was a glow worm at first but it was more like the striking of a flint against steel and as he saw it a second time he stopped that he might ascertain what it might be before he advanced farther End of Chapter 14 Chapter 15 of The Children of the New Forest This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information and to find out how you can volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by John Shell JShell1 at WI.RR.com The Children of the New Forest by Frederick Marriott Chapter 15 It was now very dark as there was no moon and the stars were often obscured by the clouds which were heavy and born along by the wind which was very high The light again appeared and this time Edward heard the clash of the flint against the steel and he was quite certain that it was somebody striking a light He advanced very cautiously and arrived at a large tree behind which he remained to reconnoiter The people, whoever they might be were not more than 30 yards from him A light spread its rays for a moment or two and he could make out a figure kneeling and holding his hat to protect it from the wind Then it burned brighter and he saw that a lantern had been lighted and then again of a sudden all was dark So Edward immediately satisfied himself that a dark lantern had been lighted and then closed Who the parties might be he of course had no idea but he was resolved that he would ascertain if he could before he accosted them and asked his way They have no dog, thought Edward or it would have been growling before this and it's lucky that I have none either Edward then crept softly nearer to them The wind which was strong blew from where they were to where Edward stood so that there was less chance of their hearing his approach Edward went on his hands and knees and crawled through the fern until he gained another tree and within 10 yards of them and from where he could hear what they might say He was thus cautious as he had been told by Oswald that there were many disbanded soldiers who had taken up their quarters in the forest and had committed several depredations upon the houses adjacent to it always returning to the forest as a rendezvous Edward listened and heard one say It is not time yet No, no, too soon by half an hour or more the people from Limington who by him what he wants always bring it to him at night that his retreat may not be discovered They sometimes do not leave the cottage till two hours after dark for they do not leave Limington to go there till it is dark Do you know who it is who supplies him with food? Yes, the people at the inn in Parliament Street I forget the sign Oh, I know Yes, the landlord is a downright malignant in his heart We might squeeze him well if we dared show ourselves in Limington Yes but they would squeeze our necks tighter than would be agreeable I expect, replied the other Are you sure that he has money? Quite sure for I peeped through the chinks of the window shutters and I saw him pay for the things that brought to him It was from a canvas bag and it was gold that he took out and where did he put the bag after he had paid them That I can't tell for as I knew that they would come out as soon as they were paid I was obliged to beat a retreat lest I should be seen Well then how is it to be managed? We must first tap at the door and try if we can get in as benighted travelers If that won't do and I fear it will not while you remain begging for admittance at the door and keep him occupied I will try the door behind that leads into the garden and if not the door I will try the window I have examined them both well and have been outside when he has shut up his shutters and I know the fastenings with a pain out I could open them immediately Is there anybody else besides him in the cottage? Yes, a lad who attends him and goes to the fountain for him No women? Not one But do you think we too are sufficient Had we not better get more help There is broom and black the gypsy at the rendezvous I can go for them and be back in time They are stout and true Stout enough but not true No, no I want no sharers in this business and you know how ill they behaved in the last affair I'll swear that they only produced half the swag I like honor between gentlemen and soldiers and that's why I've chosen you I know I can trust you Benjamin It's time now What do you say? We are two to one for I count the boy as nothing Shall we start? I'm with you You say there's a bag of gold that I'm fighting for Yes Ben and I'll tell you with what I've got buried and my share of that bag I shall have enough I think and I'll start for the low countries for England's getting rather too warm for me Well I shan't go yet replied Benjamin I don't like your foreign parts they have no good ale and I can't understand their talk I'd sooner remain in jolly old England after I've been a shelter twisted ready for me then pass my life with such a set of chaps who drink nothing but shite'em and wear twenty pairs of breeches Come, let's be off if we get the money you shall go to the low countries will and I'll start for the north where they don't know me for if you go I won't stay here the two men then rose up and the one whose name appeared to be Will with the candle in his dark lantern burned well and then they both set off followed by Edward who had heard quite enough to satisfy him that they were bent upon a burglary if not murder Edward followed them so as to keep their forms indistinctly in sight which was as much as he could do at twenty yards distance fortunately the wind was so high that they did not hear his footsteps although he often trod upon a rotten stick which snapped as it broke in twain as near as Edward could guess he had tracked them about three miles when they stopped and he perceived that they were examining their pistols which they took from their belts they then went on to again and entered a small plantation of oak trees of about forty years growth very thick and very dark close underwood below they followed each other through a narrow path until they came to a cleared place in the middle of the plantation in which there stood a low cottage surrounded with covered on every side with the exception of some thirty yards of land around it all was still and as dark as pitch Edward remained behind the trees and when the two men again stopped he was not six feet from them they consulted in a low tone but the wind was so high that he could not distinguish what they said at last they advanced to the cottage and Edward still keeping within the trees shifted his position so that he should be opposite the gable end of the cottage he observed one man to go up to the front door while the other went round to the door behind he had been agreed Edward threw open the pan of the lock of the gun and reprimed it that he might be sure and then waited for what was to follow he heard the man will at the front door talking and asked for shelter in a plaintiff but loud voice and shortly afterward he perceived a light through the chinks of the shutters for Edward was continually altering his position at the front and in the back at one time he thought of leveling his gun and killing one of the men at once but he could not make up his mind to do that as a burglary although intended had not yet been committed so he remained passive until the attack was really made when he resolved that he would come to the rescue after some minutes of entreaty that they would open the door the man in front commenced thumping and beating against it as if he would make them open the door by force but this was to attract the attention of those within and divert it from the attempts that the other was making to get in behind Edward was aware of this he now kept his eye upon what was going on at the back advancing nearer which he ventured to do now that both the men were so occupied he perceived that the fellow had contrived to open the window close to the back door and was remaining quite close to it with a pistol in his hand apparently not wishing to run the risk of climbing in Edward slipped under the eaves of the cottage not six feet from the man who remained with his back partly turned to him Edward then finding he had obtained this position unperceived crouched down with his gun ready pointed as Edward remained in this position he heard a shrill voice cry out they are getting in behind and a movement in cottage the man near him who had his pistol in his hand put his arm through the window and fired inside a shriek was given and Edward fired his gun into the body of the man who immediately fell Edward lost no time in reloading his gun during which he heard the bursting open of the front door and the report of firearms then all was silent for a moment accepting the wailing of somebody within as soon as his gun was reloaded Edward walked around to the front of the cottage where he found the man who was called Ben lying across the threshold of the open door he stepped across the body and looking into the room within perceived the body stretched on the floor and a young lad weeping over it don't be alarmed I am a friend said Edward going into where the body lay and taking the light which was at the farther end of the chamber he placed it on the floor that he might examine the state of the person who was breathing heavily and apparently badly wounded rise up my lad said Edward and let me see if I can be of any use no no cried the boy throwing back his long hair from his temples he pleads to death bring me some water quick said Edward there's a good lad while I'll see where he is hurt the boy ran up to fetch the water and Edward discovered that the ball was a collar bone and that the blood poured out of the man's mouth who was choking with the effusion although ignorant of surgery Edward thought that such a wound must be mortal but the man was not only alive but sensible and although he could not utter a word he spoke with his eyes and with signs he raised his hand and pointed to himself first and shook his head as if to say that it was all over for him and then he turned around his head as if looking for the lad who was now returning with the water when the lad again knelt by his side weeping bitterly the man pointed to him and gave such an imploring look that Edward immediately comprehended what he wished it was to ask protection for the boy it could not be misunderstood and could Edward do otherwise then promise it to the dying man his generous nature could not refuse it and he said I understand you you wish me to take care of your boy when you are gone is it not so the man signified ascent I promise you I will do so I will take him into my own family and he will share with us the man raised his hand again and a gleam of joy passed over his features as he took the hand of the lad and put it into that of Edward his eyes were then fixed upon Edward as if to scrutinize into his character by his features while the former bathed his temples and washed the blood from his mouth with the water brought by the boy who appeared in a state of grief so violent as to paralyze his senses after a minute of or two another effusion of blood choked the wounded man who, after a short struggle fell back dead he is gone thought Edward and now what is to be done I must first ascertain whether the two villains are dead or not Edward took a light and examined the body of Ben in the cold of the door the man was quite dead the ball having entered his brain he was proceeding around the outside of the cottage to examine the state of the other man whom he had shot himself but the wind nearly blew out the light and he therefore returned to the chamber placed it on the floor near to where the boy lay insensible over the corpse of the man who had died in the arms of Edward and then went out without a light and with his gun to the other side of the cottage where the other robber had fallen as he approached the man a faint voice was heard to say Ben Ben some water for the love of God Ben I'm done for Edward without giving an answer went back to the room for the water which he took round to the man and put it to his lips he felt that he was bound by humanity so to do to a dying man scoundrel though he might be it was still dark but not so dark as it had previously been for the late moon was just rising the man drank the water eagerly and said Ben I can speak now but I shan't long you then pulled the basin toward him again and after he had drank he said in broken sentences I feel that I'm fleeting to death inside then he paused you know the oak struck by lightning a mile north of this oh I'm going fast three yards from its south I buried all my money it's yours oh another drink the man again attempted to drink out of the basin proffered by Edward but as he made the attempt he fell back with a groan Edward perceiving that he was dead returned to the cottage after the lad who still remained prostrate and embracing the corpse in the chamber Edward then reflected upon what had best be done after a time he decided upon dragging away the body of the robber named Ben outside of the threshold and then securing the door this with some trouble he affected and he then made fast the window that had been forced open behind before he removed the boy who lay with his face buried on the corpse and appeared to be in a state of insensibility Edward examined the corpse as it lay although plainly dressed yet it was evident that it was not the body of a rustic the features were fair and the beard was carefully cut the hands were white and the fingers long and evidently had never been employed in labor that the body was that of some superior person disguised as a rustic was evident and this was corroborated by the conversation which took place between the two robbers Alas thought Edward the family of Arnwood appear not to be the only people who are in disguise in this forest that poor boy he must not remain there Edward looked around and perceived that there was a bed in the adjoining room the door of which was open he lifted up the boy and carried him still insensible into the room and laid him on the bed he then went for some more water which he found and threw into his face and poured a little into his mouth gradually the boy stirred and recovered from his stupor and then Edward held the water to his mouth and made him drink some which he did and then suddenly aroused to a recollection of what had passed the boy gave a shriek of woe and burst into a paroxysm of tears this ended in convulsive sobbing and low moanings Edward felt that he could do no more at present and that it would be better if he was left for a time Edward sat down on a stool by the side of the orphan and remained for some time in deep and melancholy thought how strange thought he had last it is that I should feel so little as I do now surrounded by death compared to what I did when good old Jacob Armitage died then I felt it deeply and there was an awe in death now I no longer dread it is it because I love the good old man and felt that I had lost a friend no that cannot be the cause I may have felt more grief but not awe or dread or is it because that was the first time that I had seen death and it is the first sight of death which occasions awe or is it because that every day I have fancied myself on the battlefield hundreds lying dead and wounded around me in my dreamings I know not poor old Jacob died peaceably in his bed like a good Christian and trusting after a blameless life to find mercy through his savior two of these who are now dead out of the three have been summoned away in the height of their wickedness and in the very commission of crime the third has been and out of three lying dead one has fallen by my own hand and yet I feel not so much as when I attended the couch and listen to the parting words of a dying Christian I cannot account for it or reason why I only know that it is so and I now look upon death unconcerned well this is a kind of preparation for the wholesale murder and horrors of the battlefield which I have so long sighed for God forgive me if I am wrong and this poor boy I have promised to protect him and I will could I fail my promise I should imagine the spirit of his father as I presume he was looking down and upbraiding me no no I will protect him I and my brother have been preserved and protected and I were indeed vile if I did not do to others as I have been done by and now let me reflect what is to be done I must not take the boy away and bury the bodies this person has friends at Leimington and they will come here the murder has taken place in the forest then I must let the intendant know what has occurred I will send over to Oswald Humphrey shall go poor fellow what a state of anxiety must he and my little sisters be in at my not returning home I had quite forgotten that but it cannot be helped I will wait till sunrise and then see if the boy will be more himself and probably from him I shall be able to find out what part of the forest I am in Edward took up the candle and went into the room in which he had laid the boy on the bed he found him in a sound sleep poor fellow said Edward he has for a time forgotten his misery what a beautiful boy he is I long to know his history sleep on my poor fellow it will do you service Edward then returned to the other room and recollected that he had had no supper and it was now nearly dawn of day he looked into a cupboard and found plenty of provisions and some flasks of wine I have earned my supper thought he and I will not therefore deny myself so he brought out the vines and a flash of wine and made a hearty meal it is long since I have tasted wine thought he in the air I drink it again I have little relish for it now it is too fiery to the palate I recollect when a child how my father used to have me at the table and give me a stoop of claret which I could hardly lift to my lips to drink to the health of the king the memory of the king raised other thoughts in Edward's mind and he again sunk into one of his reveries which lasted till he fell into a slumber when he woke up it was at the voice of the boy who in his sleep had cried out father Edward started up and found that the son was an hour high and he must have slept some time he gently opened the cottage door looked at the bodies of the two men and then walked out to survey the locality of the cottage which he had but faintly made out during the night he found that it was surrounded by a thicket of trees and underwood so close and thick that there appeared to him no outlet in any direction what a place for concealment thought Edward but still these prowling thieves discovered it why troops of horse might scour the forest for months and never discover such a hiding place Edward walked round by the side of the thicket to find out the track which had entered when he followed them and at last succeeded in doing so he followed the path through the thicket until he was clear of it and again in the forest but the scenery outside was unknown to him and he had not an idea as to what part of the forest it was in I must question the boy thought Edward I will go back and wake him up for it is time that I was moving as he was again turning into the thicket he heard a dog giving tongue as if on a scent it came nearer and nearer to him and Edward remained to see what it might be in a moment more he perceived his own dog Smoker come bounding out of a neighbouring cops followed by Humphrey and Pablo Edward hallowed Smoker sprung toward him leaping up and loading him with caresses and in another moment Humphrey's arms Oh Edward let me first thank God said Humphrey as the tears started and rolled down his cheeks what a night we have passed what has happened that dear fellow Pablo thought of putting Smoker on the scent he brought out your jacket and showed it to Smoker and gave it to him to smell and then led him along until he was on your footsteps and the dog followed him around and around in every direction till at last he has brought us to you Edward shook hands with Pablo and thanked him how far are we from the cottage Humphrey about eight miles I should say Edward not more well I have much to tell you and I must tell it to you in few words before I go farther and afterward I will tell you all in detail Edward then gave a succinct narration of what had occurred and having thus prepared Humphrey and Pablo for what they were to see led the way back through the thicket to the cottage inside of it Humphrey and Pablo were much shocked at the scene of slaughter which presented itself to their eyes and after having viewed the bodies they began to consult what had best be done the proposal of Edward that Humphrey should go over and make known the circumstances to Oswald that they might be communicated to the intendant was readily exceeded to and Pablo it was agreed should go home and tell Alice and Edith that Edward was safe but now Humphrey about this boy we cannot leave him here where is he he still sleeps I believe the question is whether you should ride over or walk and leave Pablo to return with the pony and cart for I will not take the boy away or leave the house myself without removing the property which belongs to the boy and of which I will make inquiry when he awakes besides there is money by what the robbers stated in my hearing which of course must be taken care of for him I think it will be best for me to walk over Edward I should arrive too late in the afternoon for anything to be done till next morning and if I walk I shall be in time enough so that is settled besides it will give you more time to remove the boy's property which as his father was in all probability a malignant and denounced man they might think right to secure for the government very true then be it so do you start for the intendants and Pablo go home and fetch the pony and cart while I remain here with the boy and get everything ready Humphrey and Pablo both set off and then Edward went to wake in the boy still lying on the bed come you must get up now you know that's what's done and cannot be undone and if you are a good boy and have read the bible you must know that we must submit to the will of God who is our kind father in heaven ah me said the boy who was awake when Edward went to him I know well it is my duty but it is a hard duty and I am heartbroken I've lost my father the only friend I had in the world who is there to love and to cherish me now what will become of me I promised your father before he died that I would take care of you my poor fellow and a promise is sacred with me even if it were not made to a dying man I will do my best to depend upon it for I have known myself what it is to want and to find a protector you shall live with me and my brothers and sisters and you shall have all we have have you sisters then replied the boy yes I have sent for the cart to take you away from this and tonight you shall be in our cottage but now tell me I do not ask who your father was or why he was living here in secret as I found out by what I overheard the robbers say to one another but how long have you lived here more than a year whose cottage is it my father bought it when he came as he thought it safer so that he might not be discovered or betrayed after having been condemned to death by the parliament then he was a loyal man to the king yes he was that was his only crime then fear not my good boy we are all loyal as well as he was and will never be otherwise I tell you this that you may safely trust to us now if the cottage was his the furniture and property were his also yes all was his and it is now yours is it not I suppose so said the boy bursting into tears then listen to me your father is safe from all persecution now he is I trust in heaven and you they cannot touch as you have done nothing to offend them but still they will take possession of your father's property as soon as they know of his death and find out who he was this for your sake I wish to prevent them from doing and having therefore sent for the cart that I may remove to my cottage everything that is of value that it may be held for your benefit some day or another you may require it the murder having been committed in the forest and I having been a witness and moreover having shot one of the robbers I have considered it right to send to the intendant of the forest to give him notice of what has taken place within his jurisdiction I do not think he is so bad a man as the rest but still when he comes here he may consider it his duty to take possession of everything for the parliament as I have no doubt such are his orders or will be when he communicates with the parliament now this is a robbery which I wish to prevent by carrying away your property before they come over which they will tomorrow and I propose that you shall accompany me with all that you can take away or that may be useful this evening you are very kind replied the boy I will do all you wish but I feel very weak you must exert yourself for your own sake my poor fellow come now sit up and put all your own clothes together collect everything in this room while I look about the house and tell me had not your father some money for the robbers said that they saw him counting it out of a sack through the chinks of the shutters and that was why they made the attack hateful money cried the boy he had I believe a great deal of money but I cannot say how much now get up and do as I request my dear boy said Edward raising him up in his arms when your grief is lessened you may have many happy days yet in store for you you have a father in heaven that you must put your trust in and with him you will find peace the boy rose up and Edward closed the door of the chamber that he might not see his father's corpse I do put my trust in heaven good sir replied the boy for it has already sent me a kind friend in my distress you are good I am sure I see that in your face alas how much more wretched would have been my condition if you had not fortunately come to our assistance too late indeed to save my poor father but not too late to sucker and console his child I will go away with you for I cannot stay here end of chapter 15