 CHAPTER 35 We go out to war, my dear," said Matthew Mark. And you'll come back and marry me, will ye not? said Mollie amably. Matthew Mark coughed. Marriage, said he, is a sacrament. You may also consider it a sauce. I am not sure that you are worthy the one. I am sure that you need not the other. Mollie boxed his ears. The truth is, you are afraid of me. I fear nothing but God and an English omelet, said Matthew Mark with indignation. Then you do not love me? said Mollie. I love all women, who do not love me. Sure that is the whole world of them. Matthew Mark recovered his spirits. I shall die the bachelor I was born, said he with enthusiasm. Mollie proffered her cheek. He saluted it before he swaggered out. Then Alcibiade, who had been eating a cake in contented obscurity, approached for the like favor. Mollie withdrew. Parbleau, Mollie, no woman loves me neither, Alcibiade protested. Tis a fool that says so. But would a fool want your lips? No fool will ever get them, quote Mollie, and withstood him earnestly. So that he faltered in the struggle and looking something pathetic, said, A do, my dear, and went off. Sure, he is a fool indeed, said Mollie, and left her cakes to cry. They had not gone far out of Oxford when the cavalry came clashing against the Puritans. Then Colonel Stowe enjoyed life. One good regiment could not save the army, but his could entertain itself well in affairs of outposts. His men lacked indeed the Puritan flame, but they knew their trade now to the last letter, and in the crafty byplay of war the fanatic had no advantage. While Sir Thomas Fairfax lay at Stoney Stratford, it fell to Colonel Rich, a very fervent member to watch the byways through Whittlewood Forest. Now Colonel Stowe, schooled in the Duke of Weimer's Black Forest campaigns, had reared an uncommon kind of cavalry which was as happy in they would as out of it. He exercised Colonel Rich marvelously, so that the good man expected the second coming sooner than ever. The seventh angel he pointed out had plainly poured out his vial, and the woman who sat upon the scarlet beast was already almost drunken with the blood of the saints. Colonel Stowe snapped up the Puritans here and there, till there were some score and a half of melancholy prisoners locked in the barn at Brackley Hatch. One rainy dawn a couple of squadrons got past Colonel Rich altogether, and fell on Skippen's quarters at Den's Hangar. To the extreme displeasure of that worthy martinet, who proposed that Colonel Rich should await the second coming in his grave. Where Colonel Stowe's men, beat in a picket, blew up a stable full of powder, carried off a wagon of silver, a score of prisoners, and the Sergeant Major's pet chaplain. Colonel Rich explained that his name should be called Major Missabib, and that the beast was with power and seat and great authority. The Lieutenant General pleaded for Colonel Rich as a vessel of righteousness, and Skippen allowed himself to be appeased. But Colonel Rich was hardly the happier. He raged through the forest with multiplied fury, though little better fortune. The mass of the King's army had made the Watling Street and were moving away. Colonel Stowe had the ordering of the rearguard. Then a half dozen of his troopers, lingering to drink in Tau Cester, were overwhelmed by a wild charge of Colonel Rich's men, who, pressing on, ran their heads into a neat crossfire and were greatly mishandled. Nevertheless, Colonel Rich had his little convoy of prisoners and was not ill-satisfied. In the end of the day, when Colonel Stowe was sitting down to food in Faster's Booth, one of his men broke in, much damaged. Scraps of his shirt were bound about his forehead and his left arm. He lurched in his walk. "'You paid for that ale in Tau Cester,' said Colonel Stowe. "'By God, sir, the others be like to pay more,' the man cried hoarsely. "'The butcher Rich, he would hang us all at dawn.' "'You are drunken still,' said Colonel Stowe. "'And I wish I were, for Billy Porter be one of them,' said the man. "'Sure, to his gospel, sir. When he lay up there beyond Tau Cester, he had us parade in the farmyard in front of him, and first he preached at us awhile, and swore all the Bible down upon us, and then he bade us repent, for we should be hanged ere he marched, and the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent's heel, meaning you, sir. And then he made a horrid prayer on us, and seeing his sergeant was a listening mighty, I made a dive at he, and upset he on the muck and the others. And mostly Billy Porter, being violent, too, there was a mighty to-do, but it was only me one away, for I got first to the horses, and mighty good practice they made at me, too. And I would as life be with old Billy Porter, I am sure. He was fairly crying for weakness and strain. "'Feed him,' said Colonel Stowe to his sergeant. His officers were loud and profane in indignation. "'An ill game, gentlemen, we will play our hand. Captain Godfrey, you will take a trumpet and ride to Colonel Rich and acquaint him, that for each man of mine so murdered I will hang two of his. I will give you a letter, saddle, sir. Faith, gentlemen, war would be clean enough if only soldiers fought.' While the others rattled their abuse noisily, Colonel Stowe sat silent and heavy with thought. A while after, he sought out his unhappy prisoners, who lay upon straw in a shed. Colonel Stowe stood before them between two torch-bearing troopers, a grim vision of war to their helplessness. Haggard, unshaven faces, loomed white at him. "'Gentlemen, I am forced to a cruelty I hate. Colonel Rich of your army has four of my men prisoners. He swears to hang them for no offense but being his foes. This I cannot suffer. I have warned Colonel Rich that if he will not observe the honor of war I may not either. For each man of mine he murders a man of his must die. Gentlemen, I pray God he will not put me to such extremity. But if he will, I warn you, draw lots among yourselves. If my men die, for men of you die with the mourning. He waited, least any should seek to answer. There was none. The Puritan temper knew no fear of death. They asked no mercy. They flung no taunt, either. Colonel Stowe looked keenly from one to the other. One face made him linger long. Then he saluted and turned away. Soon his adjutant came to the stable, and picking out the parson, bade him come and speak with his Colonel. Again John Normandy looked into the eyes of Colonel Stowe. "'I owed you more courtesy, sir,' said Colonel Stowe gravely. "'If I had known you were the chaplain we took, you had fair better.' "'You owe me nothing,' said the minister. "'You served me well. I would that you had served God so.' There was a crooked smile on Colonel Stowe's lips. He remembered what he had chosen his cause for him. "'Let it be, then. I have to speak of this matter of tonight, which on my soul I loathe. "'You do well,' said the minister. "'Oh, understand me. I have no shame for what I do. If Colonel Rich would play the butcher, by butchery I must school him. "'You do well,' said the minister again. "'What, sir?' Colonel Stowe cried in amazement. "'Man, man, do you think the children of light have less care for righteousness than you? Are we not shamed that a leader of ours should keep no faith with the helpless? I protest to you that if Colonel Rich does this thing, there are those in the host of the Lord will take such vengeance upon him as shall cause the ears of all them that hear it to tingle. "'I hope it may be so,' said Colonel Stowe gravely, with no great faith. "'Nevertheless, sir, I must do my part. If my men are murdered, there must be requital. In the name of the Most High God, so let it be. Let not Israel escape the sacrifice for their sin. But you, sir, who are no soldier but a minister of God, have no part in this. I do not war with priests. That is all. What have I then done that you should be thus tender with me?' The minister cried with some scorn. It was some time before Colonel Stowe answered. There were a thousand mingled memories of joyous devices and a ride in the springtime and hopes and laughter and virginal eyes. "'I could tell you many things and no matter. And I will not suffer this mercy,' the minister cried. "'I will bear my brother's fate. Why, what vile thing were I, who preached there is no sting and death, to shrink from it? Nay, sir, you put me to shame. If you seek to be kindly, as I think, you'll make no more of this. I know the calling wherewith I am called. Let me go comfort my brethren.' Colonel Stowe rested his head on his hand and stared at the fire. "'I have done what I could,' he said. The minister looked at him with a grave kindness. "'I would to God that thou wert almost and altogether such as I am, except these bonds,' he said. But it was not he who had the air of a prisoner. Colonel Stowe held out his hand. "'Fair well, if it be, farewell,' said the minister. "'Verily, before the judgment seat of God, I will protest you guiltless in this matter.' Colonel Stowe sat alone, looking at the failing fire. The thing moved him more than he could have believed possible. It was an old necessity of war, and though to him, as to all soldiers by trade, it bore disgust, no matter to break the heart. The minister surely disturbed him out of reason. There was no profit in thinking of the past and the girl who cried for her father. The girl, the clean light of her eyes, held him as of old. And the thing would have been easier if the minister had been a lesser man. It was an impertence of him to be so admirable. Well, there was at least the chance that Colonel Rich would be advised. Captain Godfrey came in from his ride, and while he fumbled for a letter, answered Colonel Stowe's questioning eyes. "'Moonstruck, sir. Dog-mad, wolf-mad,' Colonel Stowe opened his letter. At Caldecott, 20th May, 1645. "'Sir, yours to hand. I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God, that ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men. God's will be done. I will smite and spare not, and ye that bear the mark of the beast shall be undone in your iniquity. Let this be your answer. The minister of the wrath of the Lord. Nehemiah Rich. Sir, this he gave me with more blasphemy than I can remember, said Captain Godfrey. On my soul, he is beside himself. Fellow, he says, tomorrow about this time you're brethren in iniquity shall be even as they that Rizpah bear to saw. Go to, look to it, repent. And he nod at his lip, and it was frothy. Colonel Stowe sat pondering a while, then again he sought his prisoners. The calm murmur of talk fell as he came to them. They gazed at him from their straw, steadily through the lantern light, with no sign of trouble. Gentlemen, I have to tell you Colonel Rich abides by his purpose. My men are to die, and four of you must make ready to die in the morning. Draw lots with yourselves. We have chosen, said the minister's deep voice. Which are they? said Colonel Stowe quickly. They shall be ready, said the minister. Colonel Stowe saluted. Gentlemen, this way of war is not mine. I am sorry. Fear not, said the minister. While he came again to his fireside, he heard the prisoners singing. My table thou has furnished, in presence of my foes. My head thou dust with oil anoint, and my cup overflows. Goodness and mercy all my life shall surely follow me, and in God's house for evermore my dwelling place shall be. End of Chapter 35. Chapter 36 of Colonel Greatheart. This is a LibriWalks recording. All LibriWalks recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriWalks.org. Colonel Greatheart by H.C. Bailey. Chapter 36. Sir Thomas Fairfax, who was dark and ruddy, and of all good countenance, sat at his ease after dinner. To neither was he much devoted, but enjoyed both when he could. The Lieutenant General was eloquent from the other side of the fire, on the right, reading of Jeremiah 1617. And Sir Thomas Fairfax regarded him with a plaintive, reverent curiosity. There was an interruption from Captain Veer. A young woman asks for the general, sir. Fairfax sat up. With what purpose, says he briskly. Oh, sir, godly, quote Captain Veer, to some nurse with some petition about her father. Fairfax sat back again. He looked pensively at his Lieutenant General and weighed the two evils. Let her come, Dick, said he. Joanne Normandy made her curtsy. Her face was worn and wan. Her long gray cloak stained from the road. If it please you, sir, she began in a breathless hurry. It does not please me until you sit, said Fairfax. And rose to set her at chair and stood before the fire, looking down at her with kindly eyes. She could not wait to thank him. I am Joanne Normandy, sir, and I follow after you to nurse the sick. My father, who is chaplain to the Sergeant Major General, then your father is honestly a man of God, quote Lieutenant General. I have heard him, sir. He is a savory. Go on. Sir, he has been taken prisoner by the royalists. I beseech you, give an order that he be changed against a prisoner of yours, for he is stricken in years, and I fear for him in captivity. And, indeed, they say that Cavaliers are bloody men. Her voice swayed from note to note. Be of good courage, child, said Cromwell. Nay, take heart, quote Fairfax. They are foes, but they will not murder their prisoners, nor lay hands upon a minister of the Lord. For the rest, it shall be in charge. We will change him in the next parlay. But now, but now, she cried. He is not a soldier. He is not strong to endure their hardness. Why, Fairfax looked at Cromwell. We have no prisoners here in hand, I think. And Cromwell shook his head. Yes, indeed. Only today Colonel Rick took some, I heard, and I have been to him already to beg him give them for my father. But he will not. He will hang them, he says. Fairfax stiffened. Through the full, easily kindly face broke hard lines. Hang? Prisoners admitted to quarter? You are certainly wrong. I cannot be. I have come from him. He swore that he would not spare one. He deceives himself, said Fairfax, and turned on the Lieutenant General. He is your friend, I think. Have you anything to say? Sir, I would have you forget that he is a friend of mine. Why, sir, this is to be like Peter that was thirsty for blood out of all season. I pray that he be not even as Peter, which presently denied his lord. But Fairfax was riding already. At Tauster, Thursday, Sir, it's reported that you have taken certain of the enemy, the which you propose to hang. I am loath to believe it, being a thing abhorrent to Christian men. This is to command you to keep them alive. You will further send a trumpet to the enemy, requesting an exchange for Mr. Normandy. Chaplain to the Sergeant Major General, and use zeal to effect this. Report to me early in the morning, T. Fairfax. To Colonel Nehemiah Rick, he turned to Captain Veer. Get the horse, Dick, right out quickly. This shall serve you now, child. All we can. In truth, I thank you heartily. You have helped me stay a vile thing. Nay, sir, nay, designee, thank you indeed. She curtsy from one to the other of the two great men, and was plainly in haste to be gone. So, go to your rest, child. You are provided. Yes, indeed, sir, said she, and hurried out. Then Fairfax turned to Cromwell. Sir, I protest. If this be true, I will have no mercy on your Nehemiah Rick. It's a damnable thing. Oh, sir, let's not be quick to condemn. It is a godly man, and a righteous, and if he stumble, it is by excess of zeal, where we can never have too much, saying that the Lord's cause is in more of danger from them of Ladesia than all the heathen. Yay, very principalities and powers which are against it. Zeal, the Lord's cause! cried Fairfax. I tell you, sir, I have heard of no man butchering his prisoners but the papest Papenheim. Shall we learn of him? I tell you, while I command this army, we shall make war like Christians. You say well, sir. I do protest you are in an honest, thriving way. Bear with me who am swayed by a carnal friendship, but do in all things approve your motion with a humble heartiness. Oh, sir, verily the Lord hath a poor servant in me, who put his honor second to a private kindness. In truth I am a chief, a chief of sinners. He swayed in his seat and bit his lip till specks of blood lay upon it and his chin. Fairfax looked at his emotions with a patient wonder. Why, you make too much of it, said he. A friend is a friend, and why care not for him, but duty is duty. With which it appeared to sir Thomas Fairfax he had come to the conclusion of the whole matter. But the Lieutenant General was still a prey to emotions. Fairfax grew weary. There were moments when Cromwell inspired him with a vigorous suspicion. It was impossible for him to believe in passionate emotion over little matters. A gentleman who professed to be in trouble about his soul, because he made a mistake in tactics, was a hypocrite to the plain mind of Sir Thomas Fairfax. A gentleman who did continually accuse himself of weakness and sin must be an unpleasant example of the braggart. And yet, and yet, Cromwell had never failed him and served him with a perfect faith, though he must need to know which was the better soldier of the two of them. I, indeed, the man was a most excellent soldier. Fairfax, who knew war thoroughly, knew no match for this hysterical fellow with his tears and his convulsions and outpourings of the spirit. Which was certainly most strange. Stranger yet was his power over men, that a fellow who was always troubling about his own soul should understand other men utterly. That a fellow who was always talking of his own weakness fears should master sane, sturdy minds and command their devotion. These things were mastery to Sir Thomas Fairfax. My Lord Fairfax, said his grace at Buckingham in later days, saw not far beyond his noble nose, but what he saw he saw clear. Certainly Fairfax did not suspect the doings of Joann Normandy, and would have been as much surprised as ill-pleased if he had seen her on her hackney pursuing his cousin Captain Veer down the Wattling Street. There was indeed no great following it, for the outposts at Calcedote lay only a short two miles from Towsester, but Sir Thomas Fairfax had opinions upon propriety. Joann Normandy was outside all that. She had no fear while she did no wrong. She could not bear to await uncertain tidings. She had been wrought too long. It was not her temper. It was not the teaching of war to rest while others served her. All which, more modestly, she told Captain Veer when herein the hooves behind him. He waited for what they might bring. Captain Veer, bring near her own age, chid her in a fatherly style, but could scarce bid her back or, if he did, ensure that she would obey. Moreover, they were already close upon Colonel Rick's quarters, so he brought her through the sentries, and she waited anxiously in the dark of the village street while Captain Veer went to the cottage where the Colonel lay. It is idle to pretend that the zeal of Colonel Rick was sufficient to make him well pleased at a disturbance of his first slumbers. He was in no way mollified by Fairfax's letter and snarled over it at Captain Veer. I see well that she may have been before me with the general, that I might be put to shame. Young man, be admonished. Evil men understand not judgment, but they that seek the Lord understand all things. I understand the general requires you to obey and haste, sir. How now? Should I be taught by a child? Verily, if a ruler harkens to lies, all his servants are wicked. Am I to take that answer back, sir? Nay, go to. I will see to it in the morning. Now is late enough, quote Captain Veer. Colonel Rick exploded in a nullocation out of Jeremiah. Its full force was broken by pistol shots. Captain Veer ran out in a hurry. What is it? What does he answer? What will he do? cried Joann Normandy. But Captain Veer was not concerned for his errand or her. He stood with one foot in the strop, looking either way of the night. From either way came the swift thunder of horsemen, and Colonel Rick's troops, half dressed, half armed, half waked, were running to and fro, seeking their tethered, unsaddled chargers. There was no time. Colonel Stowe, mediating over his fire at Faster's Booth, had been inspired by the 23rd Psalm. Since his prisoners could take heart of that in their peril, it did not become him to surrender to fate. If they could endure with good heart, he must have good heart to act. He could not take back his word. For his men's death the Puritans must die. So much he owed to the regiment and the cause. But there might be a better way. It was a chance. But all war and life walked on the edge of chance. It was more than a cool head would dare, but the Puritan temper had struck fire before his. They should not show a stronger courage than he. Mr Normandy should find that he possessed a soul, too. He sent for Captain Godfrey, and the man who had escaped, and hammered out of them all they knew of Colonel Rick's quarters. Then he took two squadrons. You see them through flickering moonbeams, a long clattering line, ride by the Wattling Street, where, straight as an arrow, treeless and white. It drives across the high ground. A keen wind beat at their faces. The moonlight flashed out and was swiftly hidden behind scurrying clouds. Now they were in deep blue shadow, now bold against silvery light. It was a night to mock man's eyes. When a black gulf before them marked the fall of the land to the Toa Valley, they were halted in split in half. Colonel Stowe had a quick parlay with Sedley, the best of his captains, and himself led the first squadron away by the open turf to the right. A little while after, the sentries of Colonel Rick to the rearward, on the Towsester Road, where they feared nothing were suddenly overwhelmed by a storm of horsemen, and while the nightguard hurried to their aid, a second squadron fell upon the outposts of the other side, and all defense was beaten in. The half-waked Puritans ran hither and thither, helpless, and Colonel Stowe's troopers stormed through the village, riding them down. Colonel Stowe understood the affair. The first mark of his man was the Puritans' horses. In a few moments they had found the horse lines, and the horses were cut loose and driven off in a wild mob. The rest was easy. The Puritans, unarmed for fighting a foot, taken unaware, had no chance to stand and were broken to dust. With the first wild charge down the village street, Joanne Normandy was whirled away and flung headlong. Even as she fell, she heard a deep-voiced roar over her. Open out! Files! Open out! What next she knew was waking to pain, dizzy with a hissing in her ears. She was on horseback in a man's arms. His hand brushed the dust from her hair. A pale face bent to her, a face she knew. She cried out like a child in fear, and tried to start away. But she was held fast. He took no more heed of her. She saw him looking all ways. Then he signed to a man at his elbow and a trumpet blared. Swiftly troopers began to rally about them. A man thrust through them with authority. I have all the rascals, sir, and she caught a glimpse of some fellows afoot. I'll promise them tribulation, said Colonel Stow, and he signed again to the trumpeter. The street was full of troopers now, and sharp orders rang down the column. Soon they were upon the march again, moving swiftly through the night before a strong rearguard. Colonel Stow bent over her. She saw again the earnest joy of those dark eyes, and her heart changed its beat. This is a fairer prisoner than I thought for, said he, and his voice was glad. Why? She asked quickly, and blushed, and felt his arm about her, and throbbed with shame. Ah, was it you who took my father? Even I, said Colonel Stow, he laughed, and be my soul. I am not sorry for it now. Why is that? My dear, he has made me admire myself tonight. Colonel Stow looks down at her with a whimsical smile, giving her righteous wrath at levity. But the first small puzzled frown was quickly gone. She gave a long, happy sigh. Through the changing moonlight he saw the calm of her white face. I am sure he is safe, she murmured. And how are sure? You do not know much of yourself, said the girl, and her voice was slow with weariness. Then he felt her stay herself more easily against him. Her eyes closed. Colonel Stow was aware of a strange tenderness as for a child. He drew his cloak about her. Shrouded in it, she lay warm on his breast, hidden, safe for the round white cheek. So they rode on at an easy pace, and she slept in his arms. The wind was falling as they climbed to the hills. The moon sank out of sight. The dark stillness and the ford on came over all. It was cold, and they rode on, cloaked by a thin mist, like ghosts making homeward before the day. The men were something weary, and there was little talk. Only sometimes a murmur of laughter mingled with the dull rattle of the march. Colonel Stow hardly knew himself. He rested in strange calm. There was no vivid feeling in him, nor thought. Peen desire for the morrow's fortune was gone. The eager mind sought no more into what might be. He possessed the present, and it sufficed. It gave him, indeed, no all-conquering joy. Once in a ride through the night, he had known the wild-beat, passionate life. That was past. Only he was greatly content. While the houses loomed up before him, while the column drew rain and broke, a line of gold flamed across the gloom of the eastern sky. Soft light grew about them, and horses and men moved in it vague and vast. With the changing sound and movement, Joanne Normandy woke, and her misty eyes questioned. "'Tis the dawn, child,' said Colonel Stow. "'Oh, the dawn!' she looked vaguely about her. Then her eyes came back to his. Colonel Stow swung down and carried her into his quarters. "'Indeed, I can walk,' she said, stirring in his arms, but he took no heed, and she gave him his way. He set her down in that chair by the fire from which he had faced her father, and stood over her. He was strange to him that she asked nothing. The gray eyes were intent upon him. "'I will fetch your father, child.' "'Yes,' Colonel Stow went out. A sergeant was sent on the errand. In the memo light he met the minister eye to eye. "'It is dawn, sir. We already,' said the minister calmly. Colonel Stow was some while in speaking. "'There is no need. I have found a better way. Sir, Colonel Rick will murder no men of mine. I have rescued them all, and Colonel Rick's regiment is broken.' "'Verily, the Lord brandeth. He is closed with majesty,' cried the minister. "'Oh, sir, you have removed our reproach. You have been his instrument tonight to chasten them that dare do evil in his name.' "'Sir, the best is that you are safe. I will ask one thing of you now. Ride to General Fairfax with a letter from me and tell him Colonel Rick's manner of war and give him your own tidings of that you know. I will do it heartily. Hey, then, but is not this a cunning way to do me a kindness?' "'And if it were, why, I do nothing for you, but in truth, sir, consider. For the honor of your own cause as for the safety of my men, it is fit he hear the truth from one he can trust. You say, well, oh, sir, you are too good a man for your cause. The Lord needs such as you. Nay, but who am I to judge, and maybe he has his work for you here?' "'Which of us sees clear,' said Colonel Stow, and there was a bitterness in his tone. "'But I have more tidings, sir. With what purpose, God knows, but I have found your daughter in our surprise of Colonel Rick, and to save her from worse, brought her here. She is not her.' "'My daughter?' the minister gasped in astonishment. "'Come and see.' The girl rested at her ease. Her cloak was put off, and the gentle light revealed her dainty fullness of her womanhood. She had tried to set some order in her hair, but it was wayward still, a wild cloud of gold. Life had come to her round cheeks again. Her dark eyes told of peace. Her bosom swayed slow. Colonel Stow stood with his hand clenching upon the door while he looked, and her father passed before him. She started up, dawn-breaking in her eyes. She was in her father's arms. "'Sweetheart,' he said, and his voice shook. "'Sweetheart!' she hid her face in his shoulder. "'Why, and how came you here?' "'I am his prisoner,' she murmured. "'But what gave you to his hands?' "'You were not seeking to be a prisoner, Sweetheart?' She gave a strange little wild laugh. Then she looked up, thrusting her hair from her brow. "'No, no, truly. I was trying for you,' and she told the story of her night. "'And you, why, I suppose, you were safe all the while, since it was Colonel Stow.' The minister turned to Colonel Stow, who stood by grave in pale. Colonel Stow made a gesture. "'Tell her.' "'I fell into the hands of a true man, child,' said her father, caressing her hair. The girl smiled, and trembling a little, held out her hand to Colonel Stow. He looked down at her grave in intent, and under his eyes she began to blush. His brow darkened, too. He took her hand, and bowing, held his lips to it long. "'That at least I have that,' he muttered. Then with calm precision, you must need rest, as we do all. Make these quarters yours. Before noon I must send you back to General Fairfax. He saluted and was gone. The minister, looking down at his daughter, saw her eyes grow dull and wearing his straw over all her face. "'Nay, you are worn out, child,' he said, and led her to the settle. "'I do not know,' she said listlessly. He made her lie down with her cloak rolled for a pillow, and himself went out to take the good news to his fellows. But her cheeks were wet before she slept. An hour before noon the minister came to wake her. She rose with misty, dreamful eyes. "'What is it?' she murmured. "'Yes, I remember.' The noise of the mustering regiment was borne through the window. "'Where is he?' "'Child, he sets me free and you, Nay, and hath given me two of my friends to be our guard back to the army.' "'Is that all?' she asked. "'Why, what more could you ask or hope?' "'Verily, he hath been most generous to us.' "'Oh, yes,' said the girl, and laughed a little. "'Oh, yes.' Her hood was closed drawn over her eyes, and they rode away. "'They did not see Colonel Stowe with his sword at the salute.' End of Chapter 36. Chapter 37 of Colonel Great Heart. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Gary Ollman. Chapter 37. The King turns. With his kerchief tight about his arm and a bloody scrap of his shirt bound over his forehead, Captain Vier came back to Sir Thomas Fairfax. He had hardly told his tale, had bid explanations from the Lieutenant General, before Colonel Rich was announced, who entered with rolling eyes, crying, "'Sharp arrows of the mighty! Yay! Very calls of Juniper! "'Oh, my threshing and the corn of my floor! "'Stop your fooling,' the Lieutenant General, thundered. "'Make your excuse. "'I find, sir, you have your desserts,' quote Fairfax. "'Yay, verily, I have lean among the pots. "'The earth mourneth and faded away. "'The inhabitants thereof. "'Where is your regiment?' "'Even as chafed from the threshing floor, "'which,' Fairfax raised his voice, "'God, God, even when the sergeant came in a hurry, "'take his sword, take him away. "'Break their teeth, oh God,' Colonel Rich ejaculated and was hurried out. "'Look to your hurt stick,' said Fairfax to his nephew, "'and when he, too, was gone, "'turn to Cromwell, so much for zeal. "'You have me upon the hip, sir, "'and seeking a cool head troubled by no godly fervor, "'they pitched upon Colonel Royston "'and sent him with his dragoons to the outpost and slept sound. "'Truly, in the two armies, "'they could hardly have found a man less fanatic "'or more devoted to the right rules of war.'" On the next day, the minister came with this letter. To the right Honorable Sir Thomas Fairfax, General of the Army of the Parliament, at fastest booth Thursday, Sir, there is in your army a Colonel Rich which, taking my men prisoners in open fight, threatened after to hang them, to which I answered I would hang him, too, for one. I have not been constrained to this. However, broken Colonel Rich tonight, this is to advise you that if others of your commanders attempt the like, we shall answer them according to the custom of war. But I have no fear that Sir Thomas Fairfax will put us to such necessity. Your Excellency Servant Jay Snow. Then the minister told his tale, and Sir Thomas Fairfax swore and was not reproved. By God, Sir, the man outdoes us on all counts, he cried. We are dunces to him in tactics and in chivalry. Who is he, this Jay Snow? And the minister told what he knew. Faith, I am hardly sorry for him. It must be gall to a good soldier to stomach the king's strategies. Fairfax laughed aggrim. And I should use a score of him. Why could he not come to us? Sir, I was granted enlightenment in last night's watches. The Lord designs true men to fight against his cause, lest we that be his champion should sink in the wanton pride of our own natural sin. Fairfax clapped him on the shoulder. By my soul, sir, it is a refreshment to hear a preacher declare a man honest who will not listen to him. So this Jay Snow was a friend once of our Colonel Royston A., and we have matched friend for friend. There should be some pretty fighting in that. Colonel Royston hath gone something beyond me, said the minister. His simplicity could not explain the wife. But fighting between the friends, there was none. The king's army was hurried suddenly out of reach. Rupert had his own way for nearly three days and made as far northward as he could. His hope laid in the border countries where the men were a hundred years or more behind the south and east. Were still half-soldiers in their daily life and thought a pure and mad. He had not come much beyond daventry when my Lord Digby brought forth a new plan as clear as Euclid and the king listened and tarried. The eastern countries, said my Lord Digby, were the greatest magazine of pure and strength. To take that magazine was to strike the pure citizens with palsy. Why? Then it was plain. The army must march eastward at once. Quaterrat demonstralendum. So the campaign was changed and Rupert swore to the king's face they would all be damned for it. And got nearly to blows with my Lord Digby and went off to drink himself drunk. The thing was plain folly to a soldier's eye. No less than driving a weak army against the strongest rampart of the foe. Not Caesar himself could have snatched success out of it. Rupert did not try. He threw up the game. He surrendered to despair. The army was let go. Its own way and soon were a mere scattered horde of brigands. The ingenious Digby had no power to control the reckless troopers and Rupert soaked and soaked in his tent. Tidings of it came to Fairfax and he made what hasty could. He might have flung his cavalry at the midst of the thin cloud of the foe and ended it with one charge. But he could hardly believe that the army was as ill-ordered as a spy said and he came cautiously. He had met Rupert fighting before and he lingered for more strength. But at last Rupert sat by his wine in a tavern of Daventry. The news came that the Puritan outposts were close in sight. He roused himself from the kindly stupor that eased the pain of his despair and set men galloping with fierce orders to draw the army together. He was in time. The best of the scattered regiments could still obey him and they mustered heavy with spoil in the old fortress of Turf that crowns Burrow Hill. The king was brought from his hawking in Fallsley Park with the Puritan full in sight and the peril of battle instant Rupert had his way with him. They should march north again. It was the last chance for they were outnumbered nearly two to one. So they made off by market hard burrow but Fairfax was following hard. In the twilight of summer's evening Aritan dashed into the village of Nazvi and caught a score of Rupert's horsemen at ease in their name. By midnight Rupert knew that their vanguard was upon him. There was no choice but to fight. It was over high ground treeless broken with furs and rabbit holes and the battle was set in the morning. The Puritans were posted upon a hill where long open slopes should spend the force of the fiercest horsemen. Their footmen were hidden behind the brow. Their horsemen were upon either wing. In the like water pikemen and musketeers in the midst Rupert's horse on the right saw Mamadouk Langdales on the left. The Royal Army came on the King Lingen with a reserve of horse and foot some way behind the chance of battle. No man ever denied the Cavaliers a relish for fight. They came with good heart and steadfastly like a moving wall of men blue and green and white pointed with a gray gleam of steel and as they marched on with the wind that held their banners straight against the foe the Puritans came forward over the brow to hill a sturdy block of scarlet. They were singing I in the Lord to put my trust how is it then that ye say to my soul, flee as a bird on to your mountains high for lo the wicked bend their bow their shafts on string they fit that those who upright are in heart they privily may hit. Then Rupert away on the right in his red Montero very sparkish as was his havin' in battle set his horsemen to the trot and with a thunderous roar of Queen Marie they charged the June sunshine was broken with dense white clouds the earth quaked to the boom of the guns but Fairfax had no faith in his roar artillery men and he was right the guns target was the sky locks and the royal footmen were within musket rains had much to endure Rupert fell upon the Puritan horsemen where Ayrton the commissary general had command and to say truth had not his men in hand for some regiments broke ground to meet the Cavaliers and fire too soon some hung back and Rupert coming on at the best of his speed with squadrons locked neat and neat crashed upon them in one mass with one storm of pistol shots broke them utterly and hurled on in the chase he was over to Hellcrest with the Puritans in wild route before him he was drunk with the spirit of the charge and mad himself as the wildest trooper as the youngest horse and he sped on after the route careless of the main battle soon all his men were scattered ranging wide over the moor in a hundred little forays here and there a Colonel cried the rally and trump is blared but the most of them took no heed Colonel Stowe got a grip of the best of his squadrons by my faith general this is the way to lose battle said he and they formed again resting their blown horses came slowly back to the main battle not with that pain there was a long hedge parting the moor from till fields while Rupert surge by Colonel Royston who's your goons ill mounted little men could not stand the shock of a charge took ground there and the bushes were lined with shot as the Cavaliers came back they were taken by a flank fire upon the other wing the Puritans had been happier Cromwell held his troops till Sir Mama Duke Langdale's husband were weary with toiling up hill then crashed down on them and then one sharp shock broke all their strength the charge was hardly won before his trumpets were sounding the recall and the sternly schooled troopers turned from executing the enemies of the lord to form upon their standards three regiments Cromwell spared to press the pursuit with the rest he turned to the main battle there was a mad melee King's musketeers advancing had waited to fire but one valley before they fell on with sword and butt they charged with the pikemen and the lines were locked in conflict with blind hacking and hoeing and sheer thrusting breast upon breast in the press reeking panting company strove and the fortune of the fight swayed to and fro in the full of the gay june sunshine they were wrapped with an acrid cloud of powder smoke and dust and the reeling standards rose out of it weirdly skipp on was struck down in the mist the left of the Puritans gave round and there the kings men flung themselves upon the second line if Rupert had been at hand nasby fight could have been another end but for Rupert there was only the few wadrons with colonel stow and though they charged their best they could not weigh enough to turn the issue while they drew off weary and spent colonel Royston mounted his dragoons and ventured them upon the broken ranks they made no bad charge of it and colonel stow brought only a remnant to where the king lingered with the reserve before that comrade had come upon infantry hardly supporting an equal fight the kings men were in no case to bear the shock of a hundred score iron side troopers through the wall of pikes before them they could not break against the slum of heavy horsemen they could not stand they were smitten like corn under the sacks whole regiments were struck with panic and cast down their arms and screamed for quarter until but one stood unbroken then fairfax they were hacked and hoed like a common trooper all the fight through came at his regiment upon their front Cromwell charged them from the rear the sturdy rank went down in ruin the army was all undone the king had no footmen left and Rupert's horsemen were overspread half a dozen miles each little party hunting its own prey Rupert himself were not much the troop wore down on Nassby village a mile away where fairfax's train of baggage waited then the captain of the baggage guard seeing one inhabit like the general in a red Montero as the general had took him for fairfax and rode out to ask the fortune of the day so well then I'll give you quarter cried Rupert the Puritan with an abjurgation out of scripture galloped back to his men and they welcome Rupert with a volley he had not enough men to stand for a charge so at last he drew rain and thought of a rally it was a life too late when his horsemen began to straggle back into the battle there was but one army left and the king when Cromwell turned upon the footmen he still had his reserves to cast into the fight but still the squadrons that had won back with Colonel Stowe shattered but daring yet there were more than one man about him who cried with Colonel Stowe charge sir in God's name charge for your cause and the little brigade was ready King Charles rode out to share their desperate fortunes to dare for his own doom but as he came he saw on the hill above Cromwell's troopers stormed deathly in the charge and he faulted then a faithful courtee my lord Carnworth snatched his bridle crying will you go to your death and the king whose army was smitten before his eyes gave himself to a saviour files by the right cried my lord Carnworth and the king's guard wore away Colonel Stowe looked after him with a crooked smile there goes the worst friend the king ever had he said so through the fall of this summer day the king rode hard in flight and behind the men who cared more for his honor than he spent themselves to save him while the king scatheless of any mark of fight sat down to dine in Leichester and he had a troops of his horse turned and turned again in desperate charge to stay the surge of Cromwell's pursuit utterly weary bleeding and out of heart they hurled themselves upon the iron side ranks desperate in their soldierly honor as the Puritans in their faith they did their part they saved their king while they cursed him but when night fell there was hardly a man of them reeling in the saddle of a stumbling horse Colonel Stowe drew rain in the dock he had no man left to accompany him all his regiments were spent and dead he staggered to the shelter of a hedge and lay with blood stiff upon his wounds in a comfortable chamber at Lawnborough King Charles wrote a letter to his wife complaining of the conduct of his army and of Chapter 37 Recording by Gary Ollman West Palm Beach, Florida Chapter 38 of Colonel Greatheart this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Gary Ollman Chapter 38 Lucinda is again an inspiration Slowly, by devious roads the king and his god won back to Oxford Thither, difficulty came a thousand or two of desperate broken men and while after the bulk of Rupert's horse Sir Thomas Fairpax concentrated upon fame and made ready for a siege save in the very clash of battle he was always leisurely in truth there was little need to haste the war was fought and lost the end was sure only a few ingenious minds like my lord Digby could think other and no men ever called Sir Thomas Fairpax ingenious Colonel Royston was in a thriving way he came out of the battle with no small repute and from the pursuit with no small fortune his nose for plunder the royalists had bled the Midland town's white and Colonel Royston took the profit of it but he came back to win small thanks of Lucinda she endured him and she made him suffer he could always conquer on a storm of passion she could always make him smart with her content ha madam wife do I not content you he cried as he held her white what is there in you to content a woman she panted that was the key in their marriage if it be victory to make a man despise himself Lucinda conquered in his heart he knew that he had sold himself cheap he had given honor and the quiet mind for a gust of pleasure like a weak girl but that was the less of pain it irked him most that he could not subdue her that he could not make her do him service or respect she dared treat him as a man of no manhood and she could have done nothing to sting his fierce heart more keenly but she got little joy of it she was not indeed of the woman who can feel shame her will, her passion of self was too strong for her to convict herself of an evil she could have sunk to the course of sins and known no remorse even held her absolved but she had failed of the keenest passion of her life and ignored her still at her heart to the end I think she loved Colonel Stowe after her fashion when she was crushed helplessly in Royston's arm all her being ached and throb for that first lost caress she too had her rewrote it was a thunderous July afternoon that Royston strode into their lodging in fame with a well wife and that was the name that hurt her the most I am the lieutenant general's dear brother in Christ and that is all you are like to be said Lucinda what more of a husband could you want I wonder what lies I could have she laughed you take your blunder with an ill grace madam wife oh content you I like to be your mirror you writhe when you see yourself the only then that you please me Royston broke an oath at her by God what I am you have made me she leaned her chin on her hand and looked at him with steady scornful eyes what more do you want he cried you came to me greedy with desire you had your fill of that you lacked nothing of rich eating and soft lying they are my jewels on your bosom you have no soul for more you laughed oh I knew you were brute when I ventured with you but I thought you brute enough to be a master of others and what are you there is no force in you you are of the herd that follows the bellwether you are but one of a score of crappier canting knaves a common thing to be tossed aside when war is done I am not so easily set aside madam said Royston you should know that and mark you there be scarce two men in this army can hope for a better than I Fairfax is a spent shot a good drill master a good squadron captain no more the man with a grip is the lieutenant general and his day is dawning now there is but Ireland stands as well with him as I oh yes you were born for an underling cried Lucinda good fellow ambition no more and you shall attend Royston Glouin had her and she left he strode to her and gripped her shoulder in his dark hand she looked up at him with steady eyes but the laugh froze on her lips he snatched her from her chair and crushed her to his breast by heaven he said thickly if I am an underling you shall be lower still he held her so till she was fighting for breath then set her roughly down and strode out she heard the harsh ring of his left so they lived it was some while later when the army was ready to close upon Oxford then a stranger came to her in the twilight he was peacefully attired like a comfortable trader but he had something of a swagger Lucinda saw a dark lean scarred face ha Madam Weston said he lightly today to thee tomorrow to me you mistake me sir said Lucinda coley not I Madam I am of your own tribe a bird of prey you are an insolent sir and she rose oh Madam do me reason I would make you phrases if I despise you I think you are strong enough for the truth she hesitated and was lost what do you want of me sir Colonel Strozzi sat down at his ease what do you want most in the world I'll give it to you at a price Lucinda laughs so will the devil they say Strozzi sells cheaper and what is your price sir you are a Bellamy Colonel Royston Lucinda looked at him curiously I think you cannot know sir that I am Colonel Royston's wife oh as he married you said Strozzi with a plain surprise I suppose they have prejudices here he looked at her with a grim smile which most requires my sympathy Madam you are impotent sir it is not my profession to be decent Madam well though you are his wife I can believe you command him he looked her lith form over with an insolent a praising eye and laugh that is all I want and what do you want from him Colonel Strozzi smiled I can pay he said nor will not quarrel for the figure either oh you are vague as grand total in the romance a woman of your habit might drink deep of life of 5,000 pounds he watched her keenly but she laughed and a man of your habit sell himself for a tester what then why Madam your virtuous husband is trusted so he is worth the price he commands the dragooners to have the outpost his price you may say is doubled oh I am frank with you tapping his teeth again he watched her from under his level eyebrows then go on said Lucinda her eyes glistening a smile on her lips Strozzi considered some wild first my dear if you are a man I might be afraid of you believe me you have more reason now Lucinda left not a wit pretty one you care the edge of a man you go to flinders at a hard parry try I do not need your prophet is with me and you will know it he left faith what a team we have made together you and I fit for the devil's own driving oh sorry you do me too much nor he nor another drives me Strozzi grinned I could try my own hand for a crown but this is woman's folly to my affair now madam the army of yours has two good generals we can do well without them there must be times when they meet together all night for a council all we want of your Bellamy is to let a company of honest men through his outpost and it is worth it is worth a five thousand pound then it is not worthwhile said Lucinda it is not think of it Colonel Strozzi roads I will wait on you in the morning you need a night to work on my dear Royston I kiss your hand and your feet and he was gone Lucinda sat in a deepening dock curled together thinking Colonel Strozzi did her wrong a mind outmatched his Royston came in with a clatter and shouted for lights she stirred in her chair gave her a careless kiss and fell to lips answer how now here is tender devotion have you the vape is madam I think you are a bore in green and yet good luck I like you I know it is my chief shame ha the candles came and they were both dazzled we are creatures of darkness madam wife she left I'll lighten yours sir and she started up and stood our hands behind her leaning a little towards him a vivid temptation Royston folded his arms do you think I was made to fall no I was she said softly and stoffly stole to him and put her arms around his great strength and nestled against him what do you want said Royston roughly you she whispered and laughed yes you as you will be oh I awake that you should rest the herd but the chance has come now great things I have trusted you with all I am is it not our fingers closed nervously on his pretty madam be less romantic oh I can be clear as your head so sir she thrust him day and early back to a chair and set herself over against him admire me I never engaged to that the more pleasure to make you well I have a had a visitor I am not jealous madam a fascinating fellow one strozey Colonel Royston straightened his back he had the good taste to want you sir Royston left faith madam you are too prolific one treason may pay twins never did have I spoken of treason you spoke of Tresi he has corrupted half Europe and would corrupt you too if it were not done already by heaven madam if you have mixed my name in any disloyalty I will denounce you like a common spy oh sir I was sure of your affection nevertheless you'll hear me out he had mused me your friend strozey Royston shrugged birds of a feather you know be better than that and she left I am something more than Colonel strozey I think we may surprise him you and I go on with your surprises madam why sir he talked of a 5,000 and I think he could come to more than that Colonel Royston put up his eyebrows money was four times more worth then than now it was in his nature to love it for its own sake as well as for power this is some notable villainy said and she watched his eyes I do not know if I saw it all the way said Lucinda slowly but I am not sure it is your profit to serve him what madam Lucinda virtuous oh sir madam Lucinda is not a fool hark you then here is his offer on a night when the general holds council make it safe for a party to come through the outputs and slay him for which he will pay his 5,000 pounds or more as he thinks I had not thought it worth so much to not show you his whole hand my dear said Royston with a laugh and chin on hand meditated huh could be no great mystery with Cromwell an old skip on down we should make an ill show against a strong commissado and the king has men enough to make one still we stamped his footmen out at Nasbi but the best of his horse won away that will be the design Strasi of Braavos put the general down then Rupert breaks his horse on us by God we should be rabble he would ride over us is it worth a 5,000 pounds said Lucinda quietly Royston staring at her rose heavily and began to pace the room she watched him close and keen she misprised him as Strasi had misprised her he saw the whole chance of the affair in a moment with the 5,000 and there might be more in it would care he could make a brave figure in half a score of countries the thing was easy enough to do he could manage it so that there should be no suspicion of him was it ugly was it too dirty for a soldier I a year ago he could have answered that Lucinda heard him laugh it seems a little late for foibles he had been false to the only clean affection of his life he had no more pride and honor he had nothing left to follow but greed and for what men said why Walter Butter Judas of the man that made him ruffled it with the best at Vienna so then suppose it done and Rupert horsemen driving the Puritans like sheep remained for Colonel Royston in the route he had seen too much he knew men too well to believe the war might be ended so one night of murder would not tame the Puritan temper the struggle would go on even through despair in the wild turmoil of it what a chance for a man who could lead nay he checked suddenly he saw the vivid light and Lucinda's eyes that dwelt on him he strode to her and laid a rough hand on her shoulder Madam wife what was your design I had thought your stasi may service I you would be of the devil's side how by cheating himself said Lucinda and left oh you are not very clever you soldiers shall I ever make you great I wonder I in hell speak out why then a voice was low and happy arise shown delight let Colonel strawsie come and kill what hinders for you to come down on Colonel strawsie the generals are slain but you have avenged them there is an attack but you have beat it you are left the best general and all the army and you with fame and power and something of money with all sure saw this stasi is a kindly gentleman and you are the devil's daughter said Royston with a grim smile then he rested his head on his hand and stared at the ground and she heard him muttering to him justice it was not the design for a man of a little soul there was something of devilish in it and the confidence of the strong by the tolerant ethic of his day and his trade the thing was less vile far than to this nice edge of peace it was traitorous even to him but at least there was nothing mean in it he kept no retreat for himself he said his own life on the edge of danger but for that the thing had hardly allured him it was no safe no easy task to manage the murder and the neat slaughter of the murderers to grip the army in an hour of panic and make order and break Rupert's charge Royston knew all the danger of it better than any man now even the affair of eager when on the windy February night the Irish made an end of Wallenstein was hardly more perilous and he had much to lose if he bade throws he go hang if he stood faithful to his general he had a notable place sure that first deed while Cromwell lived he knew well enough he had no chance of that whether the man was hypocrite or honest frenetic and Royston had moments of doubt he could commend himself to the Puritans like no other there was irritant too Royston's eager temper and that keen silent mind paid each other an equal tribute of trust still he could win and keep a place not far below the first it was no small thing in a land where the army must rule he staked all that and life besides on the chance of a chance but if he won it might be hard to snatch the mastery of that army but if he had it no man could set him aside the Puritans liked him well he could be a savory member with the best would follow him through death that army what a tool for a strong hand the staunch yeoman breed wrought with discipline edged with frenetic faith the yellow coats of gustavus were no better he would speedily make an end of that fool's war he had as good eye as Cromwell's for a fight and for Cromwell's rashness and waste of men a long apprenticeship in arms soon the army must be master of all England and if he ruled the army what end what end to power he brushed his hand across his eyes he rose and strode across the room and looked out at the dock for a long while then he turned to Lucinda when his strawsy to come again child Lucinda ran to him laughing she caught his hand she leaned toward him giving all herself you are alive you are alive Royston looked down at the eager face strained up to him with a sudden passionate force he caught her in his arms crushing her on his breast lifting her holding her to his will and she clung to him and her lips were hungry they had their hour so in the morning when strawsy came he found Lucinda ready to haggle she did it well strawsy confident to pay three thousand pounds before the thing was done and four thousand after Ruby Carnet besides she was very well content it occurred to his lumbard mind that the first three thousand were all he would ever pay and Lucinda was of just the same opinion strawsy went off to a quiet tavern by Crendan and there Colonel Royston met him and made a plan Royston came back to his lodgings well content and lifted her out of her chair to be kissed oh you are greedy she said resisting a little why Madam Wife has made a good bargain she must get girdened for it so so Lucinda turned her head for his greedy kisses listless there was a shadow in her eyes his rude desire made her remember dead hopes and joys of waking mid-hood a good bargain has she not said Royston end of chapter 38 recording by Gary Oldman West Palm Beach, Florida Chapter 39 of Colonel Greatheart this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Colonel Greatheart by H. C. Bailey Chapter 39 the King looks through his fingers Tud said Molly the cake girl you like a last year's apple I feel the sound said Alcibaty the cheeks once ruddy and full or fallen lusterless and shriveled I hate men said Molly vehemently as she thrust him into a chair and put a tray of griddle cakes under his nose it's a moral emotion said Alcibaty with his mouth full if there were no men there would be no wars Molly explained and equally no women behold the two delights of life abolished am I like a war said Molly her arms akimbo no my dear you are too terrific moreover wars have an end and you never will you are a pig said Molly rather tearfully and indeed had some use in his manners with her cakes Alcibaty laughed every good woman has a thousand children oh understand me in good deeds that never die so she is many times immortal with reason she appalls me consider Molly it is a responsibility to have no end you are a goose said Molly and where's my ardent lover I am the whole Ark of the late Noah and want as much to eat but for the amorous Matthew Mark the last poor gentleman Alcibaty shook his head good lack he is not dead nay mademoiselle only his trousers even in this moment he puts a patch on them for your sake so much does he honor his beloved I like his way said Molly it's at least decent Alcibaty agreed boo said Molly pursuing the simile of the goose and how is your master Alcibaty became serious in the middle of a mouthful Molly if one man could save an army that man would have done it grand eat he spread his arms to heaven my colonel he is my hero I have seen him magnificent in victory but I should not have known his majestic glorious splendors if I had not seen him in defeat what is he doing now it is probable said Alcibaty returning to earth that he is smoking his pipe in clouds of Virginia colonel Stowe was thoughtful the queer futility of his life occupied him it seemed that he had been woven of vain desires what his soul chose to seek was ever proved mocking fantasy he said is all on a woman and she had turned to dust in his arms he toiled for honor and power and when he earned them his cause had none to give he fought to the edge of death for a king that proved himself base nay the curse of waste was even on those who were linked with him he made a rabble into a regiment of good soldiers only to fling them away in a fool's battle made men of them to make them food for death he did not rave against fate or curse himself or expend lamentations that was not in his temper with a quiet melancholy courage he thought out all the failures still he had lost faith in himself he could feel his own strength still if the mad battle at naysby were to fight again he could pray to do no better through all the folly of the war he took no blame he had never played himself false aye it was the wrong cause he had chosen recklessly as a boy for a light woman's sake well there was no profit and regrets for that with all falling on ruin a man had no more right to repent than to desert honor asked a whole heart for the last desperate fight if it was fate never to win a man might fail worthily the king, the king who would not die for his own cause it was a quaint matter for a man's devotion well for the silliest faith a man might find decent death on which meditations intruded a letter it was the most polished note from my lord digby begging the high favor of a word colonel stow went with some curiosity he did not love my lord digby and had imparted his affection arrived in the enter room of my lord digby's elegant lodging in tom quad he apprehended the honor more exactly he made one of a notable company of scoundrels my lord digby it appeared had been into the highways and byways looking for filth and compelled it to come in colonel stow surveyed them smiling and they him with some surprise he found amongst them the most noted rakehels of the army Vaughn and Price and O'Connor good morning fair gentles tom blood and gehogan sure I have turned into heaven by mistake we only lack strawsey to make the angelic choir complete they snarled at him sulfurously colonel stow yawned you are so stale I think you are all as old as the devil and as dull they made more noise so that my lord digby was disturbed and sent a pale-faced clerky secretary who rebuked them shrilly within a result which happily accorded with colonel stow's intentions he was left thoughtful he had no esteem for my lord digby and yet did not conceive him as a negotiator for bravos in a little while the respectable troop came out swaggering whispering creatures of much importance colonel stow bowed to them politely and wished them a pleasant journey underground my lord digby had before him a letter in italian as thus illustrious muster my good boys for the 20th all goes well our friend is bit he is caught he devises marvelous well the enemy moved today from tame and will halt at albury Wheatley is the next stage where the good lord general lies at holton house our friend will let him have such tidings as may make him call a council on the Wednesday night and set the outposts so by forest hill that our good boys may come through them let them muster beyond the lines an hour after sundown I'll be with them give the palantine his orders to march an hour after that to be upon holton an hour after midnight and fall on when he hears pistol shots and the devil prosper the work it is cost a four thousand pound for our friend he looks for as much more after put your tongue in your cheek salutations strawsie colonel strawsie you see made his private profit now what might have come of this pretty plot where every man was false to every man no matter for guessing but the precise issue was determined by the ingenuity of my lord digby jerem likened him to a terrier because he could let neither well nor ill alone and so far as he had a character there it is the plan leave its ethics out of the account the plan was ingenious enough and the success of its kind in germany gave good hope so having trusted colonel strawsie with the king's cause and his honor he be thought him that colonel strawsie was not to be trusted so afraid of the design he let it go on afraid of strawsie let him command and where all for good or ill must be swayed by his brain where he must be trusted all together or no wit would set another company to watch him and check him hence colonel stow he was received with a fusion sir there is no man in the army i could be so glad to see cried my lord digby this is disappointing said colonel stow blandly my lord digby was not touchy oh i know your wit sir he laughed i cannot say the same my lord so having crossed swords honor is satisfied and we can talk sense nay sir this is the king's service i am at his but not at yours my lord we understand each other said my lord digby and i know you for an honest man imagine my reply my lord now sir can you find a score of others of your kidney stout honest fellows my lord digby's eyes twinkled who will suffer no craft from cunning folk like me colonel stow hesitated he did not see his way why my lord he said slowly no doubt there are men of honor we have not lost yet are there none of your friends dear sir said my lord digby laughing my friends have too many wits to have much else honest men good soldiers who set their all upon the king there are enough of us who have done that said colonel stow you can find a score of them oh yes my lord but i'll not move a hand for you without knowing more oh i know you love me little and perhaps i have little cause to love you but i know what you are worth i know you are trusty to the last and the best captain of horse we have so i seek you out the cause commands us both well my lord you know colonel strawsey better than i desire would you trust him no more than i must it is my own mind sir a great design has been entrusted to him hang the fellow that did it my lord exclaimed colonel stow you think that my lord digby with raising eyebrows admirable you are my man i cannot conceive it said colonel stow look you sir what i want is a man who will watch him a man with a wit to know if he prove a traitor and a courage to strike well my lord sir a soldier of your service must know well that we are come to a desperate pass it is not to be concealed that the king's fortune vibrates on the verge of the abyss my lord digby smirked at his phrase the cure for peril is more peril we dare what it's folly to dare because we dare no other now sir colonel strawsey has a plan full of hazard of hope and the chink of coin said colonel stow politely my lord digby was put out i never took him for iristates he said with some acidity sir it is plain to you that we are in no case to meet the army of the parliament upon a stricken field we must therefore seek out some design some cunning strategy to set us an equal chance this i conceive i have done colonel stow who had known examples of my lord digby's art military permitted himself a smile an army without leaders says my lord with his wise air is but fools multiplied the more fools be multiplied the less they are to fear so sir it's my design to strike at the head every army has but one neck if you can find it in fine sir i would jugulate rebellion at a stroke if i count rights at colonel stow my lord digby finds nay sir each time the import grows said my lord with prized as a master of language in this look you colonel strawsey is our sword but i would have you for our breastplate if the sword play false now the design is this colonel stow put up his hand my lord am i so much your friend my lord digby laughed sir it's your surliness delights me i do not know that i have anything else at your service this is the king's service sir well my lord a gruff honest fellow of your breed is our need now we have enough of supple subtlety in strawsey now sir this is the matter tonight strawsey takes a score of his friends away to the rebel lines writing that their generals fairfax and the ironside and young iraton the lawyer pulled a council at holton house he has bribed their outposts he swears and can win through and end these sweet saints even his butler endeavourow made an end to wallenstein said colonel stow his eyes had grown keen it was indeed the exemplar said my lord digby here you have the marrow of it now our fear is where our hope is in strawsey he has had money enough through his fingers to make him play double or the thing is worth enough for him to sell it to the rebels i my lord the man who will do murder is ever the man you cannot trust to do it why the greatest murderer is the greatest soldier well sir you see your part we ask no more of you than to ride with strawsey and see that he does his work if you find him faltering with us cut him down is it plain oh plain enough my lord i cannot tell why you should honour me so i protest sir it proves our value for you colonel stow's lips were set in a grim smile and shall be followed by advancement my lord digby went on with rising emphasis well sir your answer be assured you shall have it said colonel stow and rising made his bow sure you men of action need no time for thought i have not said that we do yet you delay well have an hour one hour remember your oath and the cause in the honour of the king it is my whole thought said colonel stow and went out my lord digby sighed as a man of taste who has had to deal with the dull necessities of life and refreshed himself from a sent box of clear tortoise shell and took up a manuscript book of Mr. Waller's poems bound in ivory colonel stow made across the quadrangle to the launching of the king the king could give audience to no one the king could be approached by no one the king was at his devotions colonel stow would wait the usher shrugged at him no man could tell when the king's devotions might end still colonel stow would wait the usher hinted not obscurely that colonel stow was a fool colonel stow asked for captain born of the king's guard Gilbert born had changed much might have been colonel stow's equal in age the two met with grave kindness you are strange here you are little of a courtier I think said Gilbert born can I serve you I have that to say to the king which touches his honor nearly said colonel stow in a low voice glancing at the usher Gilbert born bade the long-eared gentleman out they crossed to the middle of the room standing close there is a plan afoot which will shame him forever said colonel stow and looked keenly at Gilbert born but in his face there was little surprise I have been with my lord digby Gilbert born nodded for the king's own sake get me an audience of him Gilbert born turned without a word he was gone some long while but when he came back he was assigned to colonel stow to follow him the king was in his presence chamber a long dim lit room hung with somber tapestry it made harmony with him he had the black velvet and silver of melancholy his long scented hair was arranged in a sorrowful pattern a thin, jeweled hand hung listless affection over the open pages of Mr. George Herbert's temple that lay upon his knee he raised to colonel stow large liquid eyes of impotence he drooped colonel stow saluted soldierly the king made languid answer may I pray your majesty's ear the king inclined his head colonel stow glanced at Mr. Ashburnham on one side and Gilbert born on the other Sir, it is a matter of the royal honor not for none but you the king looked at him with contemptuous wonder then turned to Gilbert born I thought I bade the gentleman speak, Gilbert, he said, wearily Gilbert born signed to colonel stow it is your majesty's choice said colonel stow Sir, I am come to you from Lord Digby the king waved a limp hand my lord Digby has signed but do you know all his, Sir my lord Digby has a design which will cover all your cause with shame the king turned to Gilbert born we cannot suffer slander of our trusty friends, Gilbert nay, Sir, yourself shall judge whether I slander him or he slanders you this is borish, Gilbert said the king and leaned his head on his hand I am not to be stayed from serving you by rough word, Sir my lord Digby sent for me and on my coming desired my help for an infamous venture the king dropped his hand over his eyes this is not to be born he said, wearily aye, Sir it is not to be born that he speaks in your name and in your cause for he plans no less than a bloody murder a party of bravos he has bribed some villain of the rebel side and he proposes to assassinate their generals tonight, Sir I know you can be nothing in it but whether he stumbles or succeeds all Europe will put the blame on you the king looked through his fingers you are either very false or very foolish, Sir if you doubt me bring my lord Digby to my face and I we do not need we would not so insult my lord who is all trusty by heaven, Sir tis within the knowledge of a score he broached it to me openly as I to you I beseech you confront me with him we are well assured of the loyalty of my lord who is all for our honor said the king in the same level tired voice as blood, Sir do you want to be blind to the truth I swear as God rules my lord Digby means to link your cause with a foul murder if you value your honor a penny weight search into it this fellow is insolent Gilbert said the king Colonel Stowe drew back I shut your eyes to it then he cried no knot of the villainy till you can profit by it the assassin that risks his skin is a better man the king started to his feet and stood mutely bidding him away a picturesque figure of sad dignity a saint scorning blasphemy Colonel Stowe laughed at him and strode out then Gilbert Bourne approached eagerly and fell on his knees I pray you, Sir, I pray you give me leave to ask that nay not now said the king with a sad, gentle smile I have many matters but, Sir, I pray you for this gentleman not now, lad, I must be alone with God he patted Gilbert Bourne kindly and turned away to his oratory Gilbert Bourne changed a shrug and look of despair with Mr. Ashburn Ham and went out Colonel Stowe returned to some speed to my lord Digby my lord Digby who had beheld his movements through the window kept in waiting in the anti-room Colonel Stowe smoked with his sword hilt on the table and the pale secretary came in alarmed hurry tell my lord that if I can not keep him from being a villain I will not help him, he cried and my lord Digby within heard and smiled had hardly come back to his lodgings before the provost Marshall with a posse waited on him and escorted him to the prison in Bacardo End of Chapter 39 Recording by Richard Kilmer Rio Medina, Texas Chapter 40 of Colonel Greatheart This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Colonel Greatheart by H. C. Bailey Chapter 40 A Cavalier Dies Colonel Stowe sat laughing The cell in Bacardo was a quaint byway ending to it all There was an elfish humor in things He determined upon death as the best career He set himself to be a respectable martyr for a silly cause and behold the cause would have none of him save as a murderer What would the next turn be? All things were possible where Charles was king perhaps when the plot was known when England was crying shame and escape goat needed they would pitch on him for a hanging a harmonious end What would come of it? Colonel Stowe had an adequate distrust of Strozzie He might be playing doubly trebly false it would not be the first time Suppose him trusty suppose him successful and fairfax and Cromwell done to death What then? Doubtless the king would have an hour of vantage Doubtless the Puritan army hurled back in chaos but the hour would pass it was not in fairfax or Cromwell that the Puritan power lay fanatics were never beaten by their leader's death They stood by their own strong faith and they stood by the weakness of the king While the king was king his cause could never triumph There was no victory for a man who kept faith with none the truth not even to himself He looked through his fingers he was a liar in grain and the impotence of the liar cursed his cause There was no question of the end Sooner or late the Puritans must trample him down And then with some grim humor Colonel Stowe imagined the Puritans marching down the corn market and Boccardo doors battered open and himself something lean coming dazzled to the light So he had seen Tilly's crotes at Ingolstadt But in a month they were riding again with Papenheim's black hisars With him all would be finished The king cast him off the Puritans would want none of him If he sought fortune beyond seas there was scant hope The war was burned out in Germany French and Austrian fronted each other still but weariness laid heavy hands on them The clouds of peace were gathering Only England offered fortune for the sword and England would none of him It remained to creep home with the burden of defeat He winced There was some pain in that He had bragged of high hopes for himself for a man of power kind folks would remind him of it and though they might be born with each petty day he would remind himself to be a quiet yeoman to occupy with the cattle and the corn He smiled at himself It was a farce of a tragedy God save a lad from dreams Long days in the tilt of the veil Long days after the use it was a dead life for a man who had charged Wallenstein's squares who had held the surge of Cromwell's pursuit He felt again the wild throb of peril the glad call of death that wakes the soul to mastery that all that was gone He was to be the prisoner of circumstance for him the life of an ox at stall I it rang a strange discord with dreams he who was captain of men came with impotent heart limping home to hide in the corner chance gave him doubtless he had what he earned oh doubtless a fool had a fool's harvest and yet despair could not grip him so that he doubted himself a soldier he had proved his strength but he had played it false he had wasted it on a carrion cause like a drunken man he had gone reeling after the first trumpet call a drunken man faith it was the right name for him he had been drunk with the poisonous desire of dreams to love a woman well to stake life upon her must ever be wild fortune it was plain ruin for a man with his soul to the woman born of his own mind with a grim smile he saw again the dream creature who had been the queen of his soul her who was quick with every noble passion utterly loyal to the right heart of life and likened her to the real woman throbbing for nothing but the fierce greed of desire he was unjust but he did not yield to hate he believed her form of all baseness that was not his nature only he saw her life form instinct with eager strength and felt what she had done for him and his friend but for his friend he might have been merciful he was man enough to set the brand of that treason on the woman but he held himself in fault first and last it was not her blame more of her than the fair body which was all she had to give it was his own choice to worship his own choice to obey yes, God save every man from the woman of his dreams he was curious to fancy what might have happened if she had been other but there had never been another woman and certainly there would be no other now he felt himself old and bloodless and beyond all desire still it was amusing to make the might have been suppose that clean little Puritan lasts but she was a little cold for his temper and more than a little too righteous for his easy honesty he was ill at ease with so many virtues and yet a delicious child clear-eyed, fragrant like May in the dew yes, clear-eyed in her for a moment he conceived himself a Puritan then laughing thanked God he was not he had escaped at least the burden of sanctity it was a certain consolation he remained a man he dared do wrong so he took counsel with himself while the last red light faded through the grading and died they were not early with their candles he sat some while in the dark before the bolts creaked and he heard a sounds is this how you serve a gentleman lights rogue he knew that voice in a moment he was blinking through the candle light at Gilbert Bourne well sir Gilbert Bourne signed the turnkey away go talk with your fellows below, Nave and drew Colonel Stowe in the far corner you are right sir he said in a low voice they do intend this damnable thing Colonel Stowe laughed Ludd, can you take it so? why, when I took it gravely you saw what came of it faith is a fool that has a better conscience than this king sir the king is misled by ill counselors oh do not believe it he'll find none worse than himself I must believe it and we must save him Colonel Stowe looked round his cell I have done my part I think he said with a sneer I know you better sir cried Gilbert Bourne Colonel Stowe looked at the lad with a new interest his face was exalted like a man's glad to ride his last charge Colonel Stowe shrugged he chooses to be a Nave let him wear the brand he is the king said Gilbert Bourne and Colonel Stowe laughed at the reverence in his voice oh sir we cannot hold him guilty he is blinded by villains we must save him from the shame of it he laid an earnest hand on Colonel Stowe sir you have felt it as I we must go on faith I think I went some way said Colonel Stowe with a grim laugh I have my reward if you want more go to a gentleman outside Boccardo I tell you plainly I have no more will to help you than power I know you better sir said Gilbert Bourne again by heavens you know too much for me said Colonel Stowe angrily if you mean anything tell me what you mean believe me I am all your friends said Gilbert Bourne gently enough there is a debt come out of your prison now and help me save our king oh for your king there is no man to save him kill the king and his cause might conquer look you sir I have given him all my strength and this is the end of it he may carry the mark of hell for me and for myself I'd as leaf be nothing in the blackest prison blue sky of heaven a man's not nothing while there is work for him said Gilbert Bourne and Colonel Stowe looked at him strangely the lad dared be stronger than he where is it said Colonel Stowe come with me now I have told them I come to take you to the king there are horses in waiting behind saint all dates we will ride the halten the king has tidings of a murderous treacherous attack intended and hath sent us to give them all honorable warning Colonel Stowe let out a laugh that rang true conceive the royal gratitude but Gilbert Bourne did not laugh thank you for nothing in my honor quote his majesty oh he will put up a te duem for his trusty servants I know I need you said Gilbert Bourne simply Colonel Stowe was already buckling his sword why I am a fool that jumps for a chance of action and a moment ago I thought my blood dead I thought my blood was dead I thought my blood was dead I thought my blood was dead I thought my blood was dead I thought my blood was dead I thought my blood was dead I thought my blood dead well but I know what you are doing for me lad I remember said Gilbert Bourne unsteadily come he let out and down the dark broken stairs at the foot an escort of a corporal and two men lounged chatting with the jailer by your good leave sir says the jailer coming forward will you sign my book here and will you bring them back tonight sir? the king's service governs all my friend said Gilbert Bourne in a moment they were marching with the escort swiftly down the corn market at Gilbert Bourne's quarters in St. Aldates they stopped the escort was bidden to wait at the door Colonel Stowe went in by the front door and out at the back there were horses saddled in the lane Gilbert Bourne had the password they were across Magdalene Bridge with hardly a check as they turned by the Wheatley Road they heard the cavalry mustering in the river meadows and changed the glance will be between them and Strasse's babes said Colonel Stowe and laughed irreverently Strasse is half an hour ahead where shall we pass him? Colonel Stowe laughed again it is all a mad business what will you give for your life? if we save the king who desires damnation oh sir you wrong him he is in the hands of evil counsellors he is of a noble heart in a better hour he will give us thanks it is but the villains who have a zeer sure sir it's our part to give all for his honor Colonel Stowe smiled to himself at this desperate loyalty but God save you lad he said kindly enough I'll do my share he admitted no debt to the king but the humor of preserving the royal honor against the royal will attracted him more and more and the wild adventure had its own charm so they rode on knee by knee up shot over it was a dark heavy night and the horses labored wet against the hill not a leaf moved above them not a sound came even their own din was muffled in the chill dank vapours the sky was a low narrow vault of gloom unbroken by a strand of starlight fit night for murder and commissado said Colonel Stowe strawzy has luck who knows cloth Gilbert born Colonel Stowe peering at him through the gloom saw the eagerness of his face they breasted the hilltop and after a moment broke to a gallop again on the level plateau the air seemed to move at last it bit keen at nostril and eye they made speed here on the hill the night was clearer they could see the gray ribbon of road some way ahead but no sound came strawzy held them fairly they were close upon the farther slope already through the trees they caught glimpses of the abyss below when Colonel Stowe cocked his head aside what was that he said sharply but Gilbert born heard nothing it was a moment more till a sound came clear we are on them cried Gilbert born this is the last thing we want said Colonel Stowe and checked and drew aside but Gilbert born heedless dashed on a rough voice called Milano out of the gloom Milano it was plainly a password Gilbert born had no answer two horsemen plunged at him Colonel Stowe saw the white flicker of their swords he drove in his spurs and charged but before he came Gilbert born and the two reigning round he got his point into one but the fellow kept the saddle and broke away Colonel Stowe leaked down to his friend he could bear no help there was a grim wound in the lad's throat and already he lay in a pool of blood on he gasped on you now for the king and even as Colonel Stowe all hopeless tried to close the wound he moved a little and sighed and was still Colonel Stowe stood over him with grim set face oh the king owed life a debt how many men had fallen for the honor of him who cared nothing for honor poor lad with his desperate loyalty with his faith in a faithless king his life for a false dream Colonel Stowe caught the dead man's pistols sprang to the saddle and made off down the hill at a mad pace if time might serve the king should have no profit of this baseness the close behind him came the boom of Rupert's Harine squadrons end of chapter 40 recording by Richard Kilmer Rio Medina, Texas