CAPTAIN BLOOD By Rafael Sabatini

7/31/2019 CAPTAIN BLOOD By Rafael Sabatini

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CAPTAINBLOOD

ByRafaelSabatini

CAPTAINBLOODHisOdyssey

CONTENTS

I.THEMESSENGERII.KIRKE'SDRAGOONSIII.THELORDCHIEFJUSTICEIV.HUMANMERCHANDISEV.ARABELLABISHOPVI.PLANSOFESCAPEVII.PIRATESVIII.SPANIARDSIX.THEREBELS-CONVICTX.DONDIEGOXI.FILIALPIETYXII.DONPEDROSANGREXIII.TORTUGA

XIV.LEVASSEUR'SHEROICSXV.THERANSOMXVI.THETRAPXVII.THEDUPESXVIII.THEMILAGROSAXIX.THEMEETINGXX.THIEFANDPIRATEXXI.THESERVICEOFKINGJAMESXXII.HOSTILITIESXXIII.HOSTAGESXXIV.WARXXV.THESERVICEOFKINGLOUISXXVI.M.DERIVAROL

XXVII.CARTAGENAXXVIII.THEHONOUROFM.DERIVAROLXXIX.THESERVICEOFKINGWILLIAMXXX.THELASTFIGHTOFTHEARABELLAXXXI.HISEXCELLENCYTHEGOVERNOR

CHAPTERI.THEMESSENGER

PeterBlood,bachelorofmedicineandseveralotherthingsbesides,

smokedapipeandtendedthegeraniumsboxedonthesillofhiswindowaboveWaterLaneinthetownofBridgewater.

Sternlydisapprovingeyesconsideredhimfromawindowopposite,butwentdisregarded.Mr.Blood'sattentionwasdividedbetweenhistaskandthestreamofhumanityinthenarrowstreetbelow;astreamwhichpouredforthesecondtimethatdaytowardsCastleField,whereearlierintheafternoonFerguson,theDuke'schaplain,hadpreachedasermoncontainingmoretreasonthandivinity.


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Thesestraggling,excitedgroupsweremainlycomposedofmenwithgreenboughsintheirhatsandthemostludicrousofweaponsintheirhands.Some,itistrue,shoulderedfowlingpieces,andhereandthereaswordwasbrandished;butmoreofthemwerearmedwithclubs,andmostofthemtrailedthemammothpikesfashionedoutofscythes,asformidabletotheeyeastheywereclumsytothehand.Therewereweavers,brewers,carpenters,smiths,masons,bricklayers,cobblers,andrepresentativesofeveryotherofthetradesofpeaceamongtheseimprovisedmenofwar.Bridgewater,likeTaunton,hadyieldedsogenerouslyofitsmanhoodtotheserviceofthebastardDukethatforanytoabstainwhoseageandstrengthadmittedofhisbearingarmswastobrandhimselfacowardorapapist.

YetPeterBlood,whowasnotonlyabletobeararms,buttrainedandskilledintheiruse,whowascertainlynocoward,andapapistonlywhenitsuitedhim,tendedhisgeraniumsandsmokedhispipeonthatwarmJulyeveningasindifferentlyasifnothingwereafoot.Oneotherthinghedid.Heflungafterthosewar-feveredenthusiastsalineofHorace--apoetforwhoseworkhehadearlyconceivedaninordinateaffection:

"Quo,quo,scelesti,ruitis?"

Andnowperhapsyouguesswhythehot,intrepidbloodinheritedfromthe

rovingsiresofhisSomersetshiremotherremainedcoolamidstallthisfrenziedfanaticalheatofrebellion;whytheturbulentspiritwhichhadforcedhimoncefromthesedateacademicalbondshisfatherwouldhaveimposeduponhim,shouldnowremainquietintheverymidstofturbulence.Yourealizehowheregardedthesemenwhowererallyingtothebannersofliberty--thebannerswovenbythevirginsofTaunton,thegirlsfromtheseminariesofMissBlakeandMrs.Musgrove,who--astheballadruns--hadrippedopentheirsilkpetticoatstomakecoloursforKingMonmouth'sarmy.ThatLatinline,contemptuouslyflungafterthemastheyclattereddownthecobbledstreet,revealshismind.Tohimtheywerefoolsrushinginwickedfrenzyupontheirruin.

Yousee,heknewtoomuchaboutthisfellowMonmouthandthepretty

brownslutwhohadbornehim,tobedeceivedbythelegendoflegitimacy,onthestrengthofwhichthisstandardofrebellionhadbeenraised.HehadreadtheabsurdproclamationpostedattheCrossatBridgewater--asithadbeenpostedalsoatTauntonandelsewhere--settingforththat"uponthedeceaseofourSovereignLordCharlestheSecond,therightofsuccessiontotheCrownofEngland,Scotland,France,andIreland,withthedominionsandterritoriesthereuntobelonging,didlegallydescendanddevolveuponthemostillustriousandhigh-bornPrinceJames,DukeofMonmouth,sonandheirapparenttothesaidKingCharlestheSecond."

Ithadmovedhimtolaughter,ashadthefurtherannouncementthat"JamesDukeofYorkdidfirstcausethesaidlateKingtobepoysoned,

andimmediatelythereupondidusurpandinvadetheCrown."

Heknewnotwhichwasthegreaterlie.ForMr.BloodhadspentathirdofhislifeintheNetherlands,wherethissameJamesScott--whonowproclaimedhimselfJamestheSecond,bythegraceofGod,King,etcetera--firstsawthelightsomesix-and-thirtyyearsago,andhewasacquaintedwiththestorycurrentthereofthefellow'srealpaternity.Farfrombeinglegitimate--byvirtueofapretendedsecretmarriagebetweenCharlesStuartandLucyWalter--itwaspossiblethatthisMonmouthwhonowproclaimedhimselfKingofEnglandwasnoteventhe


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illegitimatechildofthelatesovereign.Whatbutruinanddisastercouldbetheendofthisgrotesquepretension?HowcoulditbehopedthatEnglandwouldeverswallowsuchaPerkin?Anditwasonhisbehalf,toupholdhisfantasticclaim,thattheseWestCountryclods,ledbyafewarmigerousWhigs,hadbeenseducedintorebellion!

"Quo,quo,scelesti,ruitis?"

Helaughedandsighedinone;butthelaughdominatedthesigh,forMr.Bloodwasunsympathetic,asaremostself-sufficientmen;andhewasveryself-sufficient;adversityhadtaughthimsotobe.Amoretender-heartedman,possessinghisvisionandhisknowledge,mighthavefoundcausefortearsinthecontemplationoftheseardent,simple,Nonconformistsheepgoingforthtotheshambles--escortedtotherallyinggroundonCastleFieldbywivesanddaughters,sweetheartsandmothers,sustainedbythedelusionthattheyweretotakethefieldindefenceofRight,ofLiberty,andofReligion.Forheknew,asallBridgewaterknewandhadknownnowforsomehours,thatitwasMonmouth'sintentiontodeliverbattlethatsamenight.TheDukewastoleadasurpriseattackupontheRoyalistarmyunderFevershamthatwasnowencampedonSedgemoor.Mr.BloodassumedthatLordFevershamwouldbeequallywell-informed,andifinthisassumptionhewaswrong,atleasthewasjustifiedofit.HewasnottosupposetheRoyalistcommandersoindifferentlyskilledinthetradehefollowed.

Mr.Bloodknockedtheashesfromhispipe,anddrewbacktoclosehiswindow.Ashedidso,hisglancetravellingstraightacrossthestreetmetatlasttheglanceofthosehostileeyesthatwatchedhim.Thereweretwopairs,andtheybelongedtotheMissesPitt,twoamiable,sentimentalmaidenladieswhoyieldedtononeinBridgewaterintheirworshipofthehandsomeMonmouth.

Mr.Bloodsmiledandinclinedhishead,forhewasonfriendlytermswiththeseladies,oneofwhom,indeed,hadbeenforalittlewhilehispatient.Buttherewasnoresponsetohisgreeting.Instead,theeyesgavehimbackastareofcolddisdain.Thesmileonhisthinlipsgrewalittlebroader,alittlelesspleasant.Heunderstoodthereasonofthat

hostility,whichhadbeendailygrowinginthispastweeksinceMonmouthhadcometoturnthebrainsofwomenofallages.TheMissesPitt,heapprehended,contemnedhimthathe,ayoungandvigorousman,ofamilitarytrainingwhichmightnowbevaluabletotheCause,shouldstandaloof;thatheshouldplacidlysmokehispipeandtendhisgeraniumsonthiseveningofallevenings,whenmenofspiritwererallyingtotheProtestantChampion,offeringtheirbloodtoplacehimonthethronewherehebelonged.

IfMr.Bloodhadcondescendedtodebatethematterwiththeseladies,hemighthaveurgedthathavinghadhisfillofwanderingandadventuring,hewasnowembarkeduponthecareerforwhichhehadbeenoriginallyintendedandforwhichhisstudieshadequippedhim;thathewasaman

ofmedicineandnotofwar;ahealer,notaslayer.Buttheywouldhaveansweredhim,heknew,thatinsuchacauseitbehovedeverymanwhodeemedhimselfamantotakeuparms.TheywouldhavepointedoutthattheirownnephewJeremiah,whowasbytradeasailor,themasterofaship--whichbyanill-chanceforthatyoungmanhadcometoanchoratthisseasoninBridgewaterBay--hadquittedthehelmtosnatchupamusketindefenceofRight.ButMr.Bloodwasnotofthosewhoargue.AsIhavesaid,hewasaself-sufficientman.

Heclosedthewindow,drewthecurtains,andturnedtothepleasant,


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candle-lightedroom,andthetableonwhichMrs.Barlow,hishousekeeper,wasintheveryactofspreadingsupper.Toher,however,hespokealoudhisthought.

"It'soutoffavourIamwiththevinegaryvirginsovertheway."

Hehadapleasant,vibrantvoice,whosemetallicringwassoftenedandmutedbytheIrishaccentwhichinallhiswanderingshehadneverlost.Itwasavoicethatcouldwooseductivelyandcaressingly,orcommandinsuchawayastocompelobedience.Indeed,theman'swholenaturewasinthatvoiceofhis.Fortherestofhim,hewastallandspare,swarthyoftintasagipsy,witheyesthatwerestartlinglyblueinthatdarkfaceandunderthoselevelblackbrows.Intheirglancethoseeyes,flankingahigh-bridged,intrepidnose,wereofsingularpenetrationandofasteadyhaughtinessthatwentwellwithhisfirmlips.Thoughdressedinblackasbecamehiscalling,yetitwaswithanelegancederivedfromtheloveofclothesthatispeculiartotheadventurerhehadbeen,ratherthantothestaidmedicushenowwas.Hiscoatwasoffinecamlet,anditwaslacedwithsilver;therewererufflesofMechlinathiswristsandaMechlincravatencasedhisthroat.HisgreatblackperiwigwasassedulouslycurledasanyatWhitehall.

Seeinghimthus,andperceivinghisrealnature,whichwasplainuponhim,youmighthavebeentemptedtospeculatehowlongsuchamanwould

becontenttoliebyinthislittlebackwateroftheworldintowhichchancehadswepthimsomesixmonthsago;howlonghewouldcontinuetopursuethetradeforwhichhehadqualifiedhimselfbeforehehadbeguntolive.Difficultofbeliefthoughitmaybewhenyouknowhishistory,previousandsubsequent,yetitispossiblethatbutforthetrickthatFatewasabouttoplayhim,hemighthavecontinuedthispeacefulexistence,settlingdowncompletelytothelifeofadoctorinthisSomersetshirehaven.Itispossible,butnotprobable.

HewasthesonofanIrishmedicus,byaSomersetshireladyinwhoseveinsrantheroverbloodoftheFrobishers,whichmayaccountforacertainwildnessthathadearlymanifesteditselfinhisdisposition.Thiswildnesshadprofoundlyalarmedhisfather,whoforanIrishmanwas

ofasingularlypeace-lovingnature.Hehadearlyresolvedthattheboyshouldfollowhisownhonourableprofession,andPeterBlood,beingquicktolearnandoddlygreedyofknowledge,hadsatisfiedhisparentbyreceivingattheageoftwentythedegreeofbaccalaureusmedicinaeatTrinityCollege,Dublin.Hisfathersurvivedthatsatisfactionbythreemonthsonly.Hismotherhadthenbeendeadsomeyearsalready.ThusPeterBloodcameintoaninheritanceofsomefewhundredpounds,withwhichhehadsetouttoseetheworldandgiveforaseasonafreereintothatrestlessspiritbywhichhewasimbued.AsetofcuriouschancesledhimtotakeservicewiththeDutch,thenatwarwithFrance;andapredilectionfortheseamadehimelectthatthisserviceshouldbeuponthatelement.HehadtheadvantageofacommissionunderthefamousdeRuyter,andfoughtintheMediterraneanengagementinwhich

thatgreatDutchadmirallosthislife.

AfterthePeaceofNimeguenhismovementsareobscure.ButweknowthathespenttwoyearsinaSpanishprison,thoughwedonotknowhowhecontrivedtogetthere.ItmaybeduetothisthatuponhisreleasehetookhisswordtoFrance,andsawservicewiththeFrenchintheirwarringupontheSpanishNetherlands.Havingreached,atlast,theageofthirty-two,hisappetiteforadventuresurfeited,hishealthhavinggrownindifferentastheresultofaneglectedwound,hewassuddenlyoverwhelmedbyhomesickness.HetookshipfromNanteswithintentto


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crosstoIreland.ButthevesselbeingdrivenbystressofweatherintoBridgewaterBay,andBlood'shealthhavinggrownworseduringthevoyage,hedecidedtogoashorethere,additionallyurgedtoitbythefactthatitwashismother'snativesoil.

ThusinJanuaryofthatyear1685hehadcometoBridgewater,possessorofafortunethatwasapproximatelythesameasthatwithwhichhehadoriginallysetoutfromDublinelevenyearsago.

Becausehelikedtheplace,inwhichhishealthwasrapidlyrestoredtohim,andbecauseheconceivedthathehadpassedthroughadventuresenoughforaman'slifetime,hedeterminedtosettlethere,andtakeupatlasttheprofessionofmedicinefromwhichhehad,withsolittleprofit,brokenaway.

Thatisallhisstory,orsomuchofitasmattersuptothatnight,sixmonthslater,whenthebattleofSedgemoorwasfought.

Deemingtheimpendingactionnoaffairofhis,asindeeditwasnot,andindifferenttotheactivitywithwhichBridgewaterwasthatnightagog,Mr.Bloodclosedhisearstothesoundsofit,andwentearlytobed.Hewaspeacefullyasleeplongbeforeeleveno'clock,atwhichhour,asyouknow,MonmouthrodebutwithhisrebelhostalongtheBristolRoad,circuitouslytoavoidthemarshlandthatlaydirectlybetweenhimself

andtheRoyalArmy.Youalsoknowthathisnumericaladvantage--possiblycounter-balancedbythegreatersteadinessoftheregulartroopsontheotherside--andtheadvantageshederivedfromfallingbysurpriseuponanarmythatwasmoreorlessasleep,werealllosttohimbyblunderingandbadleadershipbeforeeverhewasatgripswithFeversham.

Thearmiescameintocollisionintheneighbourhoodoftwoo'clockinthemorning.Mr.Bloodsleptundisturbedthroughthedistantboomofcannon.Notuntilfouro'clock,whenthesunwasrisingtodispelthelastwispsofmistoverthatstrickenfieldofbattle,didheawakenfromhistranquilslumbers.

Hesatupinbed,rubbedthesleepfromhiseyes,andcollectedhimself.

Blowswerethunderinguponthedoorofhishouse,andavoicewascallingincoherently.Thiswasthenoisethathadarousedhim.Conceivingthathehadtodowithsomeurgentobstetricalcase,hereachedforbedgownandslippers,togobelow.OnthelandinghealmostcollidedwithMrs.Barlow,new-risenandunsightly,inastateofpanic.Hequietedhercluckingswithawordofreassurance,andwenthimselftoopen.

Thereinslantinggoldenlightofthenew-risensunstoodabreathless,wild-eyedmanandasteaminghorse.Smotheredindustandgrime,hisclothesindisarray,theleftsleeveofhisdoublethanginginrags,thisyoungmanopenedhislipstospeak,yetforalongmomentremainedspeechless.

InthatmomentMr.Bloodrecognizedhimfortheyoungshipmaster,JeremiahPitt,thenephewofthemaidenladiesopposite,onewhohadbeendrawnbythegeneralenthusiasmintothevortexofthatrebellion.Thestreetwasrousing,awakenedbythesailor'snoisyadvent;doorswereopening,andlatticeswerebeingunlatchedfortheprotrusionofanxious,inquisitiveheads.

"Takeyourtime,now,"saidMr.Blood."Ineverknewspeedmadebyoverhaste."


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Butthewild-eyedladpaidnoheedtotheadmonition.Heplunged,headlong,intospeech,gasping,breathless.

"ItisLordGildoy,"hepanted."Heissorewounded...atOglethorpe'sFarmbytheriver.Iborehimthither...and...andhesentmeforyou.Comeaway!Comeaway!"

Hewouldhaveclutchedthedoctor,andhaledhimforthbyforceinbedgownandslippersashewas.Butthedoctoreludedthattooeagerhand.

"Tobesure,I'llcome,"saidhe.Hewasdistressed.Gildoyhadbeenaveryfriendly,generouspatrontohimsincehissettlingintheseparts.AndMr.Bloodwaseagerenoughtodowhathenowcouldtodischargethedebt,grievedthattheoccasionshouldhavearisen,andinsuchamanner--forheknewquitewellthattherashyoungnoblemanhadbeenanactiveagentoftheDuke's."Tobesure,I'llcome.ButfirstgivemeleavetogetsomeclothesandotherthingsthatImayneed."

"There'snotimetolose."

"Beeasynow.I'lllosenone.Itellyeagain,ye'llgoquickestbygoingleisurely.Comein...takeachair..."Hethrewopenthedoorofa

parlour.

YoungPittwavedasidetheinvitation.

"I'llwaithere.Makehaste,inGod'sname."Mr.Bloodwentofftodressandtofetchacaseofinstruments.

QuestionsconcerningtheprecisenatureofLordGildoy'shurtcouldwaituntiltheywereontheirway.Whilsthepulledonhisboots,hegaveMrs.Barlowinstructionsfortheday,whichincludedthematterofadinnerhewasnotdestinedtoeat.

Whenatlasthewentforthagain,Mrs.Barlowcluckingafterhimlike

adisgruntledfowl,hefoundyoungPittsmotheredinacrowdofscared,half-dressedtownsfolk--mostlywomen--whohadcomehasteningfornewsofhowthebattlehadsped.Thenewshegavethemwastobereadinthelamentationswithwhichtheydisturbedthemorningair.

Atsightofthedoctor,dressedandbooted,thecaseofinstrumentstuckedunderhisarm,themessengerdisengagedhimselffromthosewhopressedabout,shookoffhiswearinessandthetwotearfulauntsthatclungmostclosely,andseizingthebridleofhishorse,heclimbedtothesaddle.

"Comealong,sir,"hecried."Mountbehindme."

Mr.Blood,withoutwastingwords,didashewasbidden.Pitttouchedthehorsewithhisspur.Thelittlecrowdgaveway,andthus,uponthecrupperofthatdoubly-ladenhorse,clingingtothebeltofhiscompanion,PeterBloodsetoutuponhisOdyssey.ForthisPitt,inwhomhebeheldnomorethanthemessengerofawoundedrebelgentleman,wasindeedtheverymessengerofFate.

CHAPTERII.KIRKE'SDRAGOONS


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Oglethorpe'sfarmstoodamileorsotothesouthofBridgewaterontherightbankoftheriver.ItwasastragglingTudorbuildingshowinggreyabovetheivythatclotheditslowerparts.Approachingitnow,throughthefragrantorchardsamidwhichitseemedtodrowseinArcadianpeacebesidethewatersoftheParrett,sparklinginthemorningsunlight,Mr.Bloodmighthavehadadifficultyinbelievingitpartofaworldtormentedbystrifeandbloodshed.

Onthebridge,astheyhadbeenridingoutofBridgewater,theyhadmetavanguardoffugitivesfromthefieldofbattle,weary,brokenmen,manyofthemwounded,allofthemterror-stricken,staggeringinspeedlesshastewiththelastremnantsoftheirstrengthintotheshelterwhichitwastheirvainillusionthetownwouldaffordthem.EyesglazedwithlassitudeandfearlookeduppiteouslyoutofhaggardfacesatMr.Bloodandhiscompanionastheyrodeforth;hoarsevoicescriedawarningthatmercilesspursuitwasnotfarbehind.Undeterred,however,youngPittrodeamainalongthedustyroadbywhichthesepoorfugitivesfromthatswiftroutonSedgemoorcameflockinginever-increasingnumbers.Presentlyheswungaside,andquittingtheroadtooktoapathwaythatcrossedthedewymeadowlands.Evenheretheymetoddgroupsofthesehumanderelicts,whowerescatteringinalldirections,lookingfearfullybehindthemastheycamethroughthelong

grass,expectingateverymomenttoseetheredcoatsofthedragoons.

ButasPitt'sdirectionwasasouthwardone,bringingthemevernearertoFeversham'sheadquarters,theywerepresentlyclearofthathumanflotsamandjetsamofthebattle,andridingthroughthepeacefulorchardsheavywiththeripeningfruitthatwassoontomakeitsannualyieldofcider.

Atlasttheyalightedonthekidneystonesofthecourtyard,andBaynes,themaster,ofthehomestead,graveofcountenanceandflusteredofmanner,gavethemwelcome.

Inthespacious,stone-flaggedhall,thedoctorfoundLord

Gildoy--averytallanddarkyounggentleman,prominentofchinandnose--stretchedonacaneday-bedunderoneofthetallmullionedwindows,inthecareofMrs.Baynesandhercomelydaughter.Hischeekswereleaden-hued,hiseyesclosed,andfromhisbluelipscamewitheachlabouredbreathafaint,moaningnoise.

Mr.Bloodstoodforamomentsilentlyconsideringhispatient.HedeploredthatayouthwithsuchbrighthopesinlifeasLordGildoy'sshouldhaveriskedall,perhapsexistenceitself,toforwardtheambitionofaworthlessadventurer.Becausehehadlikedandhonouredthisbraveladhepaidhiscasethetributeofasigh.Thenheknelttohistask,rippedawaydoubletandunderweartolaybarehislordship'smangledside,andcalledforwaterandlinenandwhatelseheneededfor

hiswork.

Hewasstillintentuponitahalf-hourlaterwhenthedragoonsinvadedthehomestead.Theclatterofhoovesandhoarseshoutsthatheraldedtheirapproachdisturbedhimnotatall.Foronething,hewasnoteasilydisturbed;foranother,histaskabsorbedhim.Buthislordship,whohadnowrecoveredconsciousness,showedconsiderablealarm,andthebattle-stainedJeremyPittspedtocoverinaclothes-press.Bayneswasuneasy,andhiswifeanddaughtertrembled.Mr.Bloodreassuredthem.


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"Why,what'stofear?"hesaid."It'saChristiancountry,this,andChristianmendonotmakewaruponthewounded,noruponthosewhoharbourthem."Hestillhad,yousee,illusionsaboutChristians.Heheldaglassofcordial,preparedunderhisdirections,tohislordship'slips."Giveyourmindpeace,mylord.Theworstisdone."

Andthentheycamerattlingandclankingintothestone-flaggedhall--arounddozenjack-booted,lobster-coatedtroopersoftheTangiersRegiment,ledbyasturdy,black-browedfellowwithadealofgoldlaceaboutthebreastofhiscoat.

Baynesstoodhisground,hisattitudehalf-defiant,whilsthiswifeanddaughtershrankawayinrenewedfear.Mr.Blood,attheheadoftheday-bed,lookedoverhisshouldertotakestockoftheinvaders.

Theofficerbarkedanorder,whichbroughthismentoanattentivehalt,thenswaggeredforward,hisglovedhandbearingdownthepummelofhissword,hisspursjinglingmusicallyashemoved.Heannouncedhisauthoritytotheyeoman.

"IamCaptainHobart,ofColonelKirke'sdragoons.Whatrebelsdoyouharbour?"

Theyeomantookalarmatthatferocioustruculence.Itexpresseditself

inhistremblingvoice.

"I...Iamnoharbourerofrebels,sir.Thiswoundedgentleman...."

"Icanseeformyself."TheCaptainstampedforwardtotheday-bed,andscowleddownuponthegrey-facedsufferer.

"Noneedtoaskhowhecameinthisstateandbyhiswounds.Adamnedrebel,andthat'senoughforme."Heflungacommandathisdragoons."Outwithhim,mylads."

Mr.Bloodgotbetweentheday-bedandthetroopers.

"Inthenameofhumanity,sir!"saidhe,onanoteofanger."ThisisEngland,notTangiers.Thegentlemanisinsorecase.Hemaynotbemovedwithoutperiltohislife."

CaptainHobartwasamused.

"Oh,Iamtobetenderofthelivesoftheserebels!Oddsblood!Doyouthinkit'stobenefithishealthwe'retakinghim?There'sgallowsbeingplantedalongtheroadfromWestontoBridgewater,andhe'llserveforoneofthemaswellasanother.ColonelKirke'lllearnthesenonconformingoafssomethingthey'llnotforgetingenerations."

"You'rehangingmenwithouttrial?Faith,then,it'smistakenIam.

We'reinTangiers,afterall,itseems,whereyourregimentbelongs."

TheCaptainconsideredhimwithakindlingeye.Helookedhimoverfromthesolesofhisriding-bootstothecrownofhisperiwig.Henotedthespare,activeframe,thearrogantpoiseofthehead,theairofauthoritythatinvestedMr.Blood,andsoldierrecognizedsoldier.TheCaptain'seyesnarrowed.Recognitionwentfurther.

"Whothehellmayyoube?"heexploded.


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"MynameisBlood,sir--PeterBlood,atyourservice."

"Aye--aye!Codso!That'sthename.YouwereinFrenchserviceonce,wereyounot?"

IfMr.Bloodwassurprised,hedidnotbetrayit.

"Iwas."

"ThenIrememberyou--fiveyearsago,ormore,youwereinTangiers."

"Thatisso.Iknewyourcolonel."

"Faith,youmayberenewingtheacquaintance."TheCaptainlaughedunpleasantly."Whatbringsyouhere,sir?"

"Thiswoundedgentleman.Iwasfetchedtoattendhim.Iamamedicus."

"Adoctor--you?"Scornofthatlie--asheconceivedit--rangintheheavy,hectoringvoice.

"Medicinaebaccalaureus,"saidMr.Blood.

"Don'tflingyourFrenchatme,man,"snappedHobart."SpeakEnglish!"

Mr.Blood'ssmileannoyedhim.

"IamaphysicianpractisingmycallinginthetownofBridgewater."

TheCaptainsneered."WhichyoureachedbywayofLymeRegisinthefollowingofyourbastardDuke."

ItwasMr.Blood'sturntosneer."Ifyourwitwereasbigasyourvoice,mydear,it'sthegreatmanyou'dbebythis."

Foramomentthedragoonwasspeechless.Thecolourdeepenedinhisface.

"Youmayfindmegreatenoughtohangyou."

"Faith,yes.Ye'vethelookandthemannersofahangman.Butifyoupractiseyourtradeonmypatienthere,youmaybeputtingaroperoundyourownneck.He'snotthekindyoumaystringupandnoquestionsasked.Hehastherighttotrial,andtherighttotrialbyhispeers."

"Byhispeers?"

TheCaptainwastakenabackbythesethreewords,whichMr.Bloodhadstressed.

"Sure,now,anybutafoolorasavagewouldhaveaskedhisnamebeforeorderinghimtothegallows.ThegentlemanismyLordGildoy."

Andthenhislordshipspokeforhimself,inaweakvoice.

"ImakenoconcealmentofmyassociationwiththeDukeofMonmouth.I'lltaketheconsequences.But,ifyouplease,I'lltakethemaftertrial--bymypeers,asthedoctorhassaid."

Thefeeblevoiceceased,andwasfollowedbyamoment'ssilence.Asis


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commoninmanyblusteringmen,therewasadealoftimiditydeepdowninHobart.Theannouncementofhislordship'srankhadtouchedthosedepths.Aservileupstart,hestoodinaweoftitles.Andhestoodinaweofhiscolonel.PercyKirkewasnotlenientwithblunderers.

Byagesturehecheckedhismen.Hemustconsider.Mr.Blood,observinghispause,addedfurthermatterforhisconsideration.

"Ye'llberemembering,Captain,thatLordGildoywillhavefriendsandrelativesontheToryside,who'llhavesomethingtosaytoColonelKirkeifhislordshipshouldbehandledlikeacommonfelon.You'llgowarily,Captain,or,asI'vesaid,it'sahalterforyourneckye'llbeweavingthismorning."

CaptainHobartsweptthewarningasidewithablusterofcontempt,butheacteduponitnonetheless."Takeuptheday-bed,"saidhe,"andconveyhimonthattoBridgewater.LodgehiminthegaoluntilItakeorderabouthim."

"Hemaynotsurvivethejourney,"Bloodremonstrated."He'sinnocasetobemoved."

"Somuchtheworseforhim.Myaffairistorounduprebels."Heconfirmedhisorderbyagesture.Twoofhismentookuptheday-bed,

andswungtodepartwithit.

GildoymadeafeebleefforttoputforthahandtowardsMr.Blood."Sir,"hesaid,"youleavemeinyourdebt.IfIliveIshallstudyhowtodischargeit."

Mr.Bloodbowedforanswer;thentothemen:"Bearhimsteadily,"hecommanded."Hislifedependsonit."

Ashislordshipwascarriedout,theCaptainbecamebrisk.Heturnedupontheyeoman.

"Whatothercursedrebelsdoyouharbour?"

"Noneother,sir.Hislordship...."

"We'vedealtwithhislordshipforthepresent.We'lldealwithyouinamomentwhenwe'vesearchedyourhouse.And,byGod,ifyou'veliedtome...."Hebrokeoff,snarling,togiveanorder.Fourofhisdragoonswentout.Inamomenttheywereheardmovingnoisilyintheadjacentroom.Meanwhile,theCaptainwasquestingaboutthehall,soundingthewainscotingwiththebuttofapistol.

Mr.Bloodsawnoprofittohimselfinlingering.

"Byyourleave,it'saverygooddayI'llbewishingyou,"saidhe.

"Bymyleave,you'llremainawhile,"theCaptainorderedhim.

Mr.Bloodshrugged,andsatdown."You'retiresome,"hesaid."Iwonderyourcolonelhasn'tdiscoveredityet."

ButtheCaptaindidnotheedhim.Hewasstoopingtopickupasoiledanddustyhatinwhichtherewaspinnedalittlebunchofoakleaves.Ithadbeenlyingneartheclothes-pressinwhichtheunfortunatePitthadtakenrefuge.TheCaptainsmiledmalevolently.Hiseyesrakedtheroom,


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restingfirstsardonicallyontheyeoman,thenonthetwowomeninthebackground,andfinallyonMr.Blood,whosatwithonelegthrownovertheotherinanattitudeofindifferencethatwasfarfromreflectinghismind.

ThentheCaptainsteppedtothepress,andpulledopenoneofthewingsofitsmassiveoakendoor.Hetookthehuddledinmatebythecollarofhisdoublet,andluggedhimoutintotheopen.

"Andwhothedevil'sthis?"quothhe."Anothernobleman?"

Mr.BloodhadavisionofthosegallowsofwhichCaptainHobarthadspoken,andofthisunfortunateyoungshipmastergoingtoadornoneofthem,strungupwithouttrial,intheplaceoftheothervictimofwhomtheCaptainhadbeencheated.Onthespotheinventednotonlyatitlebutawholefamilyfortheyoungrebel.

"Faith,ye'vesaidit,Captain.ThisisViscountPitt,firstcousintoSirThomasVernon,who'smarriedtothatslutMollKirke,sistertoyourowncolonel,andsometimeladyinwaitinguponKingJames'squeen."

BoththeCaptainandhisprisonergasped.ButwhereasthereafteryoungPittdiscreetlyheldhispeace,theCaptainrappedoutanastyoath.Heconsideredhisprisoneragain.

"He'slying,ishenot?"hedemanded,seizingtheladbytheshoulder,andglaringintohisface."He'srallyingrue,byGod!"

"Ifyebelievethat,"saidBlood,"hanghim,andseewhathappenstoyou."

Thedragoonglaredatthedoctorandthenathisprisoner."Pah!"Hethrusttheladintothehandsofhismen."FetchhimalongtoBridgewater.Andmakefastthatfellowalso,"hepointedtoBaynes."We'llshowhimwhatitmeanstoharbourandcomfortrebels."

Therewasamomentofconfusion.Baynesstruggledinthegripofthe

troopers,protestingvehemently.Theterrifiedwomenscreameduntilsilencedbyagreaterterror.TheCaptainstrodeacrosstothem.Hetookthegirlbytheshoulders.Shewasapretty,golden-headedcreature,withsoftblueeyesthatlookedupentreatingly,piteouslyintothefaceofthedragoon.Heleereduponher,hiseyesaglow,tookherchininhishand,andsethershudderingbyhisbrutalkiss.

"It'sanearnest,"hesaid,smilinggrimly."Letthatquietyou,littlerebel,tillI'vedonewiththeserogues."

Andheswungawayagain,leavingherfaintandtremblinginthearmsofheranguishedmother.Hismenstood,grinning,awaitingorders,thetwoprisonersnowfastpinioned.

"Takethemaway.LetCornetDrakehavechargeofthem."Hissmoulderingeyeagainsoughtthecoweringgirl."I'llstayawhile--tosearchoutthisplace.Theremaybeotherrebelshiddenhere."Asanafterthought,headded:"Andtakethisfellowwithyou."HepointedtoMr.Blood."Bestir!"

Mr.Bloodstartedoutofhismusings.HehadbeenconsideringthatinhiscaseofinstrumentstherewasalancetwithwhichhemightperformonCaptainHobartabeneficialoperation.Beneficial,thatis,to


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humanity.Inanycase,thedragoonwasobviouslyplethoricandwouldbethebetterforablood-letting.Thedifficultylayinmakingtheopportunity.HewasbeginningtowonderifhecouldluretheCaptainasidewithsometaleofhiddentreasure,whenthisuntimelyinterruptionsetatermtothatinterestingspeculation.

Hesoughttotemporize.

"Faithitwillsuitmeverywell,"saidhe."ForBridgewaterismydestination,andbutthatyedetainedmeI'dhavebeenonmywaythithernow."

"Yourdestinationtherewillbethegaol."

"Ah,bah!Ye'resurelyjoking!"

"There'sagallowsforyouifyoupreferit.It'smerelyaquestionofnoworlater."

RudehandsseizedMr.Blood,andthatpreciouslancetwasinthecaseonthetableoutofreach.Hetwistedoutofthegripofthedragoons,forhewasstrongandagile,buttheyclosedwithhimagainimmediately,andborehimdown.Pinninghimtotheground,theytiedhiswristsbehindhisback,thenroughlypulledhimtohisfeetagain.

"Takehimaway,"saidHobartshortly,andturnedtoissuehisorderstotheotherwaitingtroopers."Gosearchthehouse,fromattictocellar;thenreporttomehere."

Thesoldierstrailedoutbythedoorleadingtotheinterior.Mr.Bloodwasthrustbyhisguardsintothecourtyard,wherePittandBaynesalreadywaited.Fromthethresholdofthehall,helookedbackatCaptainHobart,andhissapphireeyeswereblazing.OnhislipstrembledathreatofwhathewoulddotoHobartifheshouldhappentosurvivethisbusiness.Betimesherememberedthattoutteritwereprobablytoextinguishhischanceoflivingtoexecuteit.Forto-daytheKing'smenweremastersintheWest,andtheWestwasregardedasenemycountry,to

besubjectedtotheworsthorrorofwarbythevictoriousside.Hereacaptainofhorsewasforthemomentlordoflifeanddeath.

Undertheapple-treesintheorchardMr.Bloodandhiscompanionsinmisfortuneweremadefasteachtoatrooper'sstirrupleather.Thenatthesharporderofthecornet,thelittletroopstartedforBridgewater.AstheysetouttherewasthefullestconfirmationofMr.Blood'shideousassumptionthattothedragoonsthiswasaconqueredenemycountry.Thereweresoundsofrendingtimbers,offurnituresmashedandoverthrown,theshoutsandlaughterofbrutalmen,toannouncethatthishuntforrebelswasnomorethanapretextforpillageanddestruction.Finallyaboveallothersoundscamethepiercingscreamsofawomaninacutestagony.

Baynescheckedinhisstride,andswungroundwrithing,hisfaceashen.Asaconsequencehewasjerkedfromhisfeetbytheropethatattachedhimtothestirrupleather,andhewasdraggedhelplesslyayardortwobeforethetrooperreinedin,cursinghimfoully,andstrikinghimwiththeflatofhissword.

ItcametoMr.Blood,ashetrudgedforwardundertheladenapple-treesonthatfragrant,deliciousJulymorning,thatman--ashehadlongsuspected--wasthevilestworkofGod,andthatonlyafoolwouldset


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himselfupasahealerofaspeciesthatwasbestexterminated.

CHAPTERIII.THELORDCHIEFJUSTICE

Itwasnotuntiltwomonthslater--onthe19thofSeptember,ifyoumusthavetheactualdate--thatPeterBloodwasbroughttotrial,uponachargeofhightreason.Weknowthathewasnotguiltyofthis;butweneednotdoubtthathewasquitecapableofitbythetimehewasindicted.Thosetwomonthsofinhuman,unspeakableimprisonmenthadmovedhismindtoacoldanddeadlyhatredofKingJamesandhisrepresentatives.Itsayssomethingforhisfortitudethatinallthecircumstancesheshouldstillhavehadamindatall.Yet,terribleaswasthepositionofthisentirelyinnocentman,hehadcauseforthankfulnessontwocounts.Thefirstofthesewasthatheshouldhavebeenbroughttotrialatall;thesecond,thathistrialtookplaceonthedatenamed,andnotadayearlier.Intheverydelaywhichexacerbatedhimlay--althoughhedidnotrealizeit--hisonlychanceofavoidingthegallows.

Easily,butforthefavourofFortune,hemighthavebeenoneofthosehaled,onthemorrowofthebattle,moreorlesshaphazardfrom

theoverflowinggaolatBridgewatertobesummarilyhangedinthemarket-placebythebloodthirstyColonelKirke.TherewasabouttheColoneloftheTangiersRegimentadeadlydespatchwhichmighthavedisposedinlikefashionofallthoseprisoners,numerousastheywere,butforthevigorousinterventionofBishopMews,whichputanendtothedrumheadcourts-martial.

Evenso,inthatfirstweekafterSedgemoor,KirkeandFevershamcontrivedbetweenthemtoputtodeathoverahundredmenafteratrialsosummaryastobenotrialatall.Theyrequiredhumanfreightsforthegibbetswithwhichtheywereplantingthecountryside,andtheylittlecaredhowtheyprocuredthemorwhatinnocentlivestheytook.What,afterall,wasthelifeofaclod?Theexecutionerswerekeptbusy

withropeandchopperandcauldronsofpitch.Ispareyouthedetailsofthatnauseatingpicture.Itis,afterall,withthefateofPeterBloodthatweareconcernedratherthanwiththatoftheMonmouthrebels.

Hesurvivedtobeincludedinoneofthosemelancholydrovesofprisonerswho,chainedinpairs,weremarchedfromBridgewatertoTaunton.Thosewhoweretoosorelywoundedtomarchwereconveyedincarts,intowhichtheywerebrutallycrowded,theirwoundsundressedandfestering.Manywerefortunateenoughtodieupontheway.WhenBloodinsisteduponhisrighttoexercisehisartsoastorelievesomeofthissuffering,hewasaccountedimportunateandthreatenedwithaflogging.IfhehadoneregretnowitwasthathehadnotbeenoutwithMonmouth.That,ofcourse,wasillogical;butyoucanhardlyexpect

logicfromamaninhisposition.

HischaincompaniononthatdreadfulmarchwasthesameJeremyPittwhohadbeentheagentofhispresentmisfortunes.Theyoungshipmasterhadremainedhisclosecompanionaftertheircommonarrest.Hence,fortuitously,hadtheybeenchainedtogetherinthecrowdedprison,wheretheywerealmostsuffocatedbytheheatandthestenchduringthosedaysofJuly,August,andSeptember.

Scrapsofnewsfilteredintothegaolfromtheoutsideworld.Somemay


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havebeendeliberatelyallowedtopenetrate.OfthesewasthetaleofMonmouth'sexecution.ItcreatedprofoundestdismayamongstthosemenwhoweresufferingfortheDukeandforthereligiouscausehehadprofessedtochampion.Manyrefusedutterlytobelieveit.AwildstorybegantocirculatethatamanresemblingMonmouthhadofferedhimselfupintheDuke'sstead,andthatMonmouthsurvivedtocomeagaininglorytodeliverZionandmakewaruponBabylon.

Mr.BloodheardthattalewiththesameindifferencewithwhichhehadreceivedthenewsofMonmouth'sdeath.Butoneshamefulthingheheardinconnectionwiththiswhichlefthimnotquitesounmoved,andservedtonourishthecontempthewasformingforKingJames.HisMajestyhadconsentedtoseeMonmouth.Tohavedonesounlessheintendedtopardonhimwasathingexecrableanddamnablebeyondbelief;fortheonlyotherobjectingrantingthatinterviewcouldbetheevillymeansatisfactionofspurningtheabjectpenitenceofhisunfortunatenephew.

LatertheyheardthatLordGrey,whoaftertheDuke--indeed,perhaps,beforehim--wasthemainleaderoftherebellion,hadpurchasedhisownpardonforfortythousandpounds.PeterBloodfoundthisofapiecewiththerest.HiscontemptforKingJamesblazedoutatlast.

"Why,here'safilthymeancreaturetositonathrone.IfIhadknownasmuchofhimbeforeasIknowto-day,Idon'tdoubtIshouldhave

givencausetobewhereIamnow."Andthenonasuddenthought:"AndwherewillLordGildoybe,doyousuppose?"heasked.

YoungPitt,whomheaddressed,turnedtowardshimafacefromwhichtheruddytanoftheseahadfadedalmostcompletelyduringthosemonthsofcaptivity.Hisgreyeyeswereroundandquestioning.Bloodansweredhim.

"Sure,now,we'veneverseenhislordshipsincethatdayatOglethorpe's.Andwherearetheothergentrythatweretaken?--therealleadersofthisplagueyrebellion.Grey'scaseexplainstheirabsence,Ithink.Theyarewealthymenthatcanransomthemselves.Hereawaitingthegallowsarenonebuttheunfortunateswhofollowed;thosewhohadthehonourtoleadthemgofree.It'sacuriousandinstructivereversal

oftheusualwayofthesethings.Faith,it'sanuncertainworldentirely!"

Helaughed,andsettleddownintothatspiritofscorn,wrappedinwhichhesteppedlaterintothegreathallofTauntonCastletotakehistrial.WithhimwentPittandtheyeomanBaynes.Thethreeofthemweretobetriedtogether,andtheircasewastoopentheproceedingsofthatghastlyday.

Thehall,eventothegalleries--throngedwithspectators,mostofwhomwereladies--washunginscarlet;apleasantconceit,this,oftheLordChiefJustice's,whonaturallyenoughpreferredthecolourthatshouldreflecthisownbloodymind.

Attheupperend,onaraiseddais,sattheLordsCommissioners,thefivejudgesintheirscarletrobesandheavydarkperiwigs,BaronJeffreysofWementhronedinthemiddleplace.

Theprisonersfiledinunderguard.Thecriercalledforsilenceunderpainofimprisonment,andasthehumofvoicesgraduallybecamehushed,Mr.Bloodconsideredwithinterestthetwelvegoodmenandtruethatcomposedthejury.Neithergoodnortruedidtheylook.Theywerescared,uneasy,andhangdogasanysetofthievescaughtwiththeir


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handsinthepocketsoftheirneighbours.Theyweretwelveshakenmen,eachofwhomstoodbetweentheswordoftheLordChiefJustice'srecentbloodthirstychargeandthewallofhisownconscience.

FromthemMr.Blood'scalm,deliberateglancepassedontoconsidertheLordsCommissioners,andparticularlythepresidingJudge,thatLordJeffreys,whoseterriblefamehadcomeaheadofhimfromDorchester.

Hebeheldatall,slightmanontheyoungsideofforty,withanovalfacethatwasdelicatelybeautiful.Thereweredarkstainsofsufferingorsleeplessnessunderthelow-liddedeyes,heighteningtheirbrillianceandtheirgentlemelancholy.Thefacewasverypale,saveforthevividcolourofthefulllipsandthehecticflushontheratherhighbutinconspicuouscheek-bones.Itwassomethinginthoselipsthatmarredtheperfectionofthatcountenance;afault,elusivebutundeniable,lurkedtheretobeliethefinesensitivenessofthosenostrils,thetendernessofthosedark,liquideyesandthenoblecalmofthatpalebrow.

ThephysicianinMr.Bloodregardedthemanwithpeculiarinterestknowingashedidtheagonizingmaladyfromwhichhislordshipsuffered,andtheamazinglyirregular,debauchedlifethatheledinspiteofit--perhapsbecauseofit.

"PeterBlood,holdupyourhand!"

Abruptlyhewasrecalledtohispositionbytheharshvoiceoftheclerkofarraigns.Hisobediencewasmechanical,andtheclerkdronedoutthewordyindictmentwhichpronouncedPeterBloodafalsetraitoragainsttheMostIllustriousandMostExcellentPrince,JamestheSecond,bythegraceofGod,ofEngland,Scotland,France,andIrelandKing,hissupremeandnaturallord.Itinformedhimthat,havingnofearofGodinhisheart,butbeingmovedandseducedbytheinstigationoftheDevil,hehadfailedintheloveandtrueandduenaturalobediencetowardshissaidlordtheKing,andhadmovedtodisturbthepeaceandtranquillityofthekingdomandtostirupwarandrebelliontodeposehissaidlordtheKingfromthetitle,honour,andtheregalnameoftheimperial

crown--andmuchmoreofthesamekind,attheendofallofwhichhewasinvitedtosaywhetherhewasguiltyornotguilty.Heansweredmorethanwasasked.

"It'sentirelyinnocentIam."

Asmall,sharp-facedmanatatablebeforeandtotherightofhimbouncedup.ItwasMr.Pollexfen,theJudge-Advocate.

"Areyouguiltyornotguilty?"snappedthispepperygentleman."Youmusttakethewords."

"Words,isit?"saidPeterBlood."Oh--notguilty."Andhewenton,

addressinghimselftothebench."Onthissamesubjectofwords,mayitpleaseyourlordships,IamguiltyofnothingtojustifyanyofthosewordsIhaveheardusedtodescribeme,unlessitbeofawantofpatienceathavingbeencloselyconfinedfortwomonthsandlongerinafoetidgaolwithgreatperiltomyhealthandevenlife."

Beingstarted,hewouldhaveaddedadealmore;butatthispointtheLordChiefJusticeinterposedinagentle,ratherplaintivevoice.

"Lookyou,sir:becausewemustobservethecommonandusualmethodsof


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trial,Imustinterruptyounow.Youarenodoubtignorantoftheformsoflaw?"

"Notonlyignorant,mylord,buthithertomosthappyinthatignorance.Icouldgladlyhaveforgonethisacquaintancewiththem."

Apalesmilemomentarilylightenedthewistfulcountenance.

"Ibelieveyou.Youshallbefullyheardwhenyoucometoyourdefence.Butanythingyousaynowisaltogetherirregularandimproper."

Enheartenedbythatapparentsympathyandconsideration,Mr.Bloodansweredthereafter,aswasrequiredofhim,thathewouldbetriedbyGodandhiscountry.Whereupon,havingprayedtoGodtosendhimagooddeliverance,theclerkcalleduponAndrewBaynestoholduphishandandplead.

FromBaynes,whopleadednotguilty,theclerkpassedontoPitt,whoboldlyownedhisguilt.TheLordChiefJusticestirredatthat.

"Come;that'sbetter,"quothhe,andhisfourscarletbrethrennodded."Ifallwereasobstinateashistwofellow-rebels,therewouldneverbeanend."

Afterthatominousinterpolation,deliveredwithaninhumanicinessthatsentashiverthroughthecourt,Mr.Pollexfengottohisfeet.Withgreatprolixityhestatedthegeneralcaseagainstthethreemen,andtheparticularcaseagainstPeterBlood,whoseindictmentwastobetakenfirst.

TheonlywitnesscalledfortheKingwasCaptainHobart.Hetestifiedbrisklytothemannerinwhichhehadfoundandtakenthethreeprisoners,togetherwithLordGildoy.UpontheordersofhiscolonelhewouldhavehangedPittoutofhand,butwasrestrainedbytheliesoftheprisonerBlood,wholedhimtobelievethatPittwasapeeroftherealmandapersonofconsideration.

AstheCaptain'sevidenceconcluded,LordJeffreyslookedacrossatPeterBlood.

"WilltheprisonerBloodaskthewitnessanyquestions?"

"None,mylord.Hehascorrectlyrelatedwhatoccurred."

"Iamgladtohaveyouradmissionofthatwithoutanyoftheprevaricationsthatareusualinyourkind.AndIwillsaythis,thathereprevaricationwouldavailyoulittle.Forwealwayshavethetruthintheend.Besureofthat."

BaynesandPittsimilarlyadmittedtheaccuracyoftheCaptain's

evidence,whereuponthescarletfigureoftheLordChiefJusticeheavedasighofrelief.

"Thisbeingso,letusgeton,inGod'sname;forwehavemuchtodo."Therewasnownotraceofgentlenessinhisvoice.Itwasbriskandrasping,andthelipsthroughwhichitpassedwerecurvedinscorn."Itakeit,Mr.Pollexfen,thatthewickedtreasonofthesethreeroguesbeingestablished--indeed,admittedbythem--thereisnomoretobesaid."


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PeterBlood'svoicerangoutcrisply,onanotethatalmostseemedtocontainlaughter.

"Mayitpleaseyourlordship,butthere'sadealmoretobesaid."

Hislordshiplookedathim,firstinblankamazementathisaudacity,thengraduallywithanexpressionofdullanger.Thescarletlipsfellintounpleasant,cruellinesthattransfiguredthewholecountenance.

"Hownow,rogue?Wouldyouwasteourtimewithidlesubterfuge?"

"Iwouldhaveyourlordshipandthegentlemenofthejuryhearmeonmydefence,asyourlordshippromisedthatIshouldbeheard."

"Why,soyoushall,villain;soyoushall."Hislordship'svoicewasharshasafile.Hewrithedashespoke,andforaninstanthisfeaturesweredistorted.Adelicatedead-whitehand,onwhichtheveinsshowedblue,broughtforthahandkerchiefwithwhichhedabbedhislipsandthenhisbrow.Observinghimwithhisphysician'seye,PeterBloodjudgedhimapreytothepainofthediseasethatwasdestroyinghim."Soyoushall.Butaftertheadmissionmade,whatdefenceremains?"

"Youshalljudge,mylord."

"ThatisthepurposeforwhichIsithere."

"Andsoshallyou,gentlemen."Bloodlookedfromjudgetojury.Thelattershifteduncomfortablyundertheconfidentflashofhisblueeyes.LordJeffreys'sbullyingchargehadwhippedthespiritoutofthem.Hadthey,themselves,beenprisonersaccusedoftreason,hecouldnothavearraignedthemmoreferociously.

PeterBloodstoodboldlyforward,erect,self-possessed,andsaturnine.Hewasfreshlyshaven,andhisperiwig,ifoutofcurl,wasatleastcarefullycombedanddressed.

"CaptainHobarthastestifiedtowhatheknows--thathefoundmeat

Oglethorpe'sFarmontheMondaymorningafterthebattleatWeston.ButhehasnottoldyouwhatIdidthere."

AgaintheJudgebrokein."Why,whatshouldyouhavebeendoingthereinthecompanyofrebels,twoofwhom--LordGildoyandyourfellowthere--havealreadyadmittedtheirguilt?"

"ThatiswhatIbegleavetotellyourlordship."

"Iprayyoudo,andinGod'snamebebrief,man.ForifIamtobetroubledwiththesayofallyoutraitordogs,ImaysithereuntiltheSpringAssizes."

"Iwasthere,mylord,inmyqualityasaphysician,todressLordGildoy'swounds."

"What'sthis?Doyoutellusthatyouareaphysician?"

"AgraduateofTrinityCollege,Dublin."

"GoodGod!"criedLordJeffreys,hisvoicesuddenlyswelling,hiseyesuponthejury."Whatanimpudentrogueisthis!YouheardthewitnesssaythathehadknownhiminTangierssomeyearsago,andthathewas


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thenanofficerintheFrenchservice.Youheardtheprisoneradmitthatthewitnesshadspokenthetruth?"

"Why,sohehad.YetwhatIamtellingyouisalsotrue,soitis.ForsomeyearsIwasasoldier;butbeforethatIwasaphysician,andIhavebeenoneagainsinceJanuarylast,establishedinBridgewater,asIcanbringahundredwitnessestoprove."

"There'snottheneedtowasteourtimewiththat.Iwillconvictyououtofyourownrascallymouth.Iwillaskyouonlythis:Howcameyou,whorepresentyourselfasaphysicianpeacefullyfollowingyourcallinginthetownofBridgewater,tobewiththearmyoftheDukeofMonmouth?"

"Iwasneverwiththatarmy.Nowitnesshassworntothat,andIdareswearthatnowitnesswill.Ineverwasattractedtothelaterebellion.Iregardedtheadventureasawickedmadness.Itakeleavetoaskyourlordship"(hisbroguebecamemoremarkedthanever)"whatshouldI,whowasbornandbredapapist,bedoinginthearmyoftheProtestantChampion?"

"Apapistthou?"Thejudgegloomedonhimamoment."Artmorelikeasnivelling,cantingJackPresbyter.Itellyou,man,IcansmellaPresbyterianfortymiles."

"ThenI'lltakeleavetomarvelthatwithsokeenanoseyourlordshipcan'tsmellapapistatfourpaces."

Therewasarippleoflaughterinthegalleries,instantlyquelledbythefierceglareoftheJudgeandthevoiceofthecrier.

LordJeffreysleanedfartherforwarduponhisdesk.Heraisedthatdelicatewhitehand,stillclutchingitshandkerchief,andsproutingfromafrothoflace.

"We'llleaveyourreligionoutofaccountforthemoment,friend,"saidhe."ButmarkwhatIsaytoyou."Withaminatoryforefingerhebeatthe

timeofhiswords."Know,friend,thatthereisnoreligionamancanpretendtocangiveacountenancetolying.Thouhastapreciousimmortalsoul,andthereisnothingintheworldequaltoitinvalue.ConsiderthatthegreatGodofHeavenandEarth,beforeWhosetribunalthouandweandallpersonsaretostandatthelastday,willtakevengeanceontheeforeveryfalsehood,andjustlystriketheeintoeternalflames,maketheedropintothebottomlesspitoffireandbrimstone,ifthouoffertodeviatetheleastfromthetruthandnothingbutthetruth.ForItelltheeGodisnotmocked.OnthatIchargeyoutoanswertruthfully.Howcameyoutobetakenwiththeserebels?"

PeterBloodgapedathimamomentinconsternation.Themanwasincredible,unreal,fantastic,anightmarejudge.Thenhecollected

himselftoanswer.

"IwassummonedthatmorningtosuccourLordGildoy,andIconceivedittobethedutyimposeduponmebymycallingtoanswerthatsummons."

"Didyouso?"TheJudge,terriblenowofaspect--hisfacewhite,histwistedlipsredasthebloodforwhichtheythirsted--glareduponhiminevilmockery.Thenhecontrolledhimselfasifbyaneffort.Hesighed.Heresumedhisearliergentleplaintiveness."Lord!Howyouwasteourtime.ButI'llhavepatiencewithyou.Whosummonedyou?"


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"MasterPittthere,ashewilltestify."

"Oh!MasterPittwilltestify--hethatishimselfatraitorself-confessed.Isthatyourwitness?"

"ThereisalsoMasterBayneshere,whocananswertoit."

"GoodMasterBayneswillhavetoanswerforhimself;andIdoubtnothe'llbegreatlyexercisedtosavehisownneckfromahalter.Come,come,sir;aretheseyouronlywitnesses?"

"IcouldbringothersfromBridgewater,whosawmesetoutthatmorninguponthecrupperofMasterPitt'shorse."

Hislordshipsmiled."Itwillnotbenecessary.For,markme,Idonotintendtowastemoretimeonyou.Answermeonlythis:WhenMasterPitt,asyoupretend,cametosummonyou,didyouknowthathehadbeen,asyouhaveheardhimconfess,ofMonmouth'sfollowing?"

"Idid,Mylord."

"Youdid!Ha!"Hislordshiplookedatthecringingjuryandutteredashort,stabbinglaugh."Yetinspiteofthatyouwentwithhim?"

"Tosuccourawoundedman,aswasmysacredduty."

"Thysacredduty,sayestthou?"Furyblazedoutofhimagain."GoodGod!Whatagenerationofvipersdowelivein!Thysacredduty,rogue,istothyKingandtoGod.Butletitpass.Didhetellyouwhomitwasthatyouweredesiredtosuccour?"

"LordGildoy--yes."

"AndyouknewthatLordGildoyhadbeenwoundedinthebattle,andonwhatsidehefought?"

"Iknew."

"Andyet,being,asyouwouldhaveusbelieve,atrueandloyalsubjectofourLordtheKing,youwenttosuccourhim?"

PeterBloodlostpatienceforamoment."Mybusiness,mylord,waswithhiswounds,notwithhispolitics."

Amurmurfromthegalleriesandevenfromthejuryapprovedhim.Itservedonlytodrivehisterriblejudgeintoadeeperfury.

"JesusGod!Wasthereeversuchanimpudentvillainintheworldasthou?"Heswung,white-faced,tothejury."Ihope,gentlemenofthe

jury,youtakenoticeofthehorriblecarriageofthistraitorrogue,andwithalyoucannotbutobservethespiritofthissortofpeople,whatavillainousanddevilishoneitis.Outofhisownmouthhehassaidenoughtohanghimadozentimes.Yetistheremore.Answermethis,sir:WhenyoucozenedCaptainHobartwithyourliesconcerningthestationofthisothertraitorPitt,whatwasyourbusinessthen?"

"Tosavehimfrombeinghangedwithouttrial,aswasthreatened."

"Whatconcernwasitofyourswhetherorhowthewretchwashanged?"


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"Justiceistheconcernofeveryloyalsubject,foraninjusticecommittedbyonewhoholdstheKing'scommissionisinsomesenseadishonourtotheKing'smajesty."

Itwasashrewd,sharpthrustaimedatthejury,anditreveals,Ithink,thealertnessoftheman'smind,hisself-possessioneversteadiestinmomentsofdireperil.Withanyotherjuryitmusthavemadetheimpressionthathehopedtomake.Itmayevenhavemadeitsimpressionuponthesepoorpusillanimoussheep.Butthedreadjudgewastheretoeffaceit.

Hegaspedaloud,thenflunghimselfviolentlyforward.

"LordofHeaven!"hestormed."Wasthereeversuchacanting,impudentrascal?ButIhavedonewithyou.Iseethee,villain,Iseetheealreadywithahalterroundthyneck."

Havingspokenso,gloatingly,evilly,hesankbackagain,andcomposedhimself.Itwasasifacurtainfell.Allemotionpassedagainfromhispaleface.Backtoinvestitagaincamethatgentlemelancholy.Speakingafteramoment'spause,hisvoicewassoft,almosttender,yeteverywordofitcarriedsharplythroughthathushedcourt.

"IfIknowmyownheartitisnotinmynaturetodesirethehurtofanybody,muchlesstodelightinhiseternalperdition.ItisoutofcompassionforyouthatIhaveusedallthesewords--becauseIwouldhaveyouhavesomeregardforyourimmortalsoul,andnotensureitsdamnationbyobduratelypersistinginfalsehoodandprevarication.ButIseethatallthepainsintheworld,andallcompassionandcharityarelostuponyou,andthereforeIwillsaynomoretoyou."Heturnedagaintothejurythatcountenanceofwistfulbeauty."Gentlemen,Imusttellyouforlaw,ofwhichwearethejudges,andnotyou,thatifanypersonbeinactualrebellionagainsttheKing,andanotherperson--whoreallyandactuallywasnotinrebellion--doesknowinglyreceive,harbour,comfort,orsuccourhim,suchapersonisasmuchatraitorashewhoindeedborearms.Weareboundbyouroathsandconsciencestodeclare

toyouwhatislaw;andyouareboundbyyouroathsandyourconsciencestodeliverandtodeclaretousbyyourverdictthetruthofthefacts."

Uponthatheproceededtohissumming-up,showinghowBaynesandBloodwerebothguiltyoftreason,thefirstforhavingharbouredatraitor,thesecondforhavingsuccouredthattraitorbydressinghiswounds.Heinterlardedhisaddressbysycophanticallusionstohisnaturallordandlawfulsovereign,theKing,whomGodhadsetoverthem,andwithvituperationsofNonconformityandofMonmouth,ofwhom--inhisownwords--hedaredboldlyaffirmthatthemeanestsubjectwithinthekingdomthatwasoflegitimatebirthhadabettertitletothecrown."JesusGod!Thateverweshouldhavesuchagenerationofvipersamongus,"heburstoutinrhetoricalfrenzy.Andthenhesankbackasif

exhaustedbytheviolencehehadused.Amomenthewasstill,dabbinghislipsagain;thenhemoveduneasily;oncemorehisfeaturesweretwistedbypain,andinafewsnarling,almostincoherentwordshedismissedthejurytoconsidertheverdict.

PeterBloodhadlistenedtotheintemperate,theblasphemous,andalmostobsceneinvectiveofthattiradewithadetachmentthatafterwards,inretrospect,surprisedhim.Hewassoamazedbytheman,bythereactionstakingplaceinhimbetweenmindandbody,andbyhismethodsofbullyingandcoercingthejuryintobloodshed,thathealmostforgot


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thathisownlifewasatstake.

Theabsenceofthatdazedjurywasabriefone.Theverdictfoundthethreeprisonersguilty.PeterBloodlookedroundthescarlet-hungcourt.Foraninstantthatfoamofwhitefacesseemedtoheavebeforehim.Thenhewashimselfagain,andavoicewasaskinghimwhathehadtosayforhimself,whysentenceofdeathshouldnotbepasseduponhim,beingconvictedofhightreason.

Helaughed,andhislaughjarreduncannilyuponthedeathlystillnessofthecourt.Itwasallsogrotesque,suchamockeryofjusticeadministeredbythatwistful-eyedjack-puddinginscarlet,whowashimselfamockery--thevenalinstrumentofabrutallyspitefulandvindictiveking.Hislaughtershockedtheausterityofthatsamejack-pudding.

"Doyoulaugh,sirrah,withtheropeaboutyourneck,upontheverythresholdofthateternityyouaresosuddenlytoenterinto?"

AndthenBloodtookhisrevenge.

"Faith,it'sinbettercaseIamformirththanyourlordship.ForIhavethistosaybeforeyoudeliverjudgment.Yourlordshipseesme--aninnocentmanwhoseonlyoffenceisthatIpractisedcharity--witha

halterroundmyneck.Yourlordship,beingthejusticiar,speakswithknowledgeofwhatistocometome.I,beingaphysician,mayspeakwithknowledgeofwhatistocometoyourlordship.AndItellyouthatIwouldnotnowchangeplaceswithyou--thatIwouldnotexchangethishalterthatyouflingaboutmyneckforthestonethatyoucarryinyourbody.ThedeathtowhichyoumaydoommeisalightpleasantrybycontrastwiththedeathtowhichyourlordshiphasbeendoomedbythatGreatJudgewithwhosenameyourlordshipmakessofree."

TheLordChiefJusticesatstifflyupright,hisfaceashen,hislipstwitching,andwhilstyoumighthavecountedtentherewasnosoundinthatparalyzedcourtafterPeterBloodhadfinishedspeaking.AllthosewhoknewLordJeffreysregardedthisasthelullbeforethestorm,and

bracedthemselvesfortheexplosion.Butnonecame.

Slowly,faintly,thecolourcreptbackintothatashenface.Thescarletfigurelostitsrigidity,andbentforward.Hislordshipbegantospeak.Inamutedvoiceandbriefly--muchmorebrieflythanhiswontonsuchoccasionsandinamannerentirelymechanical,themannerofamanwhosethoughtsareelsewherewhilehislipsarespeaking--hedeliveredsentenceofdeathintheprescribedform,andwithouttheleastallusiontowhatPeterBloodhadsaid.Havingdeliveredit,hesankbackexhausted,hiseyeshalf-closed,hisbrowagleamwithsweat.

Theprisonersfiledout.

Mr.Pollexfen--aWhigatheartdespitethepositionofJudge-Advocatewhichheoccupied--wasoverheardbyoneofthejurorstomutterintheearofabrothercounsel:

"Onmysoul,thatswarthyrascalhasgivenhislordshipascare.It'sapityhemusthang.ForamanwhocanfrightenJeffreysshouldgofar."

CHAPTERIV.HUMANMERCHANDISE


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Mr.Pollexfenwasatoneandthesametimerightandwrong--aconditionmuchmorecommonthanisgenerallysupposed.

HewasrightinhisindifferentlyexpressedthoughtthatamanwhosemienandwordscoulddauntsuchalordofterrorasJeffreys,shouldbythedominanceofhisnaturebeabletofashionhimselfaconsiderabledestiny.Hewaswrong--thoughjustifiablyso--inhisassumptionthatPeterBloodmusthang.

IhavesaidthatthetribulationswithwhichhewasvisitedasaresultofhiserrandofmercytoOglethorpe'sFarmcontained--althoughasyethedidnotperceiveit,perhaps--twosourcesofthankfulness:onethathewastriedatall;theotherthathistrialtookplaceonthe19thofSeptember.Untilthe18th,thesentencespassedbythecourtoftheLordsCommissionershadbeencarriedoutliterallyandexpeditiously.Butonthemorningofthe19ththerearrivedatTauntonacourierfromLordSunderland,theSecretaryofState,withaletterforLordJeffreyswhereinhewasinformedthatHisMajestyhadbeengraciouslypleasedtocommandthatelevenhundredrebelsshouldbefurnishedfortransportationtosomeofHisMajesty'ssouthernplantations,Jamaica,Barbados,oranyoftheLeewardIslands.

Youarenottosupposethatthiscommandwasdictatedbyanysenseofmercy.LordChurchillwasnomorethanjustwhenhespokeoftheKing'sheartasbeingasinsensibleasmarble.Ithadbeenrealizedthatinthesewholesalehangingstherewastakingplacearecklesswasteofvaluablematerial.Slaveswereurgentlyrequiredintheplantations,andahealthy,vigorousmancouldbereckonedworthatleastfromtentofifteenpounds.Then,therewereatcourtmanygentlemenwhohadsomeclaimorotheruponHisMajesty'sbounty.Herewasacheapandreadywaytodischargetheseclaims.Fromamongsttheconvictedrebelsacertainnumbermightbesetasidetobebestoweduponthosegentlemen,sothattheymightdisposeofthemtotheirownprofit.

MyLordSunderland'slettergivesprecisedetailsoftheroyal

munificenceinhumanflesh.Athousandprisonersweretobedistributedamongsomeeightcourtiersandothers,whilstapostscriptumtohislordship'sletteraskedforafurtherhundredtobeheldatthedisposaloftheQueen.TheseprisonersweretobetransportedatoncetoHisMajesty'ssouthernplantations,andtobekeptthereforthespaceoftenyearsbeforebeingrestoredtoliberty,thepartiestowhomtheywereassignedenteringintosecuritytoseethattransportationwasimmediatelyeffected.

WeknowfromLordJeffreys'ssecretaryhowtheChiefJusticeinveighedthatnightindrunkenfrenzyagainstthismisplacedclemencytowhichHisMajestyhadbeenpersuaded.WeknowhowheattemptedbylettertoinducetheKingtoreconsiderhisdecision.ButJamesadheredtoit.It

was--apartfromtheindirectprofithederivedfromit--aclemencyfullworthyofhim.Heknewthattosparelivesinthisfashionwastoconvertthemintolivingdeaths.ManymustsuccumbintormenttothehorrorsofWestIndianslavery,andsobetheenvyoftheirsurvivingcompanions.

ThusithappenedthatPeterBlood,andwithhimJeremyPittandAndrewBaynes,insteadofbeinghanged,drawn,andquarteredastheirsentencesdirected,wereconveyedtoBristolandthereshippedwithsomefiftyothersaboardtheJamaicaMerchant.Fromcloseconfinementunder


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hatches,ill-nourishmentandfoulwater,asicknessbrokeoutamongstthem,ofwhichelevendied.AmongstthesewastheunfortunateyeomanfromOglethorpe'sFarm,brutallytornfromhisquiethomesteadamidthefragrantciderorchardsfornoothersinbutthathehadpractisedmercy.

ThemortalitymighthavebeenhigherthanitwasbutforPeterBlood.AtfirstthemasteroftheJamaicaMerchanthadansweredwithoathsandthreatsthedoctor'sexpostulationsagainstpermittingmentoperishinthisfashion,andhisinsistencethatheshouldbemadefreeofthemedicinechestandgivenleavetoministertothesick.ButpresentlyCaptainGardnercametoseethathemightbebroughttotaskforthesetooheavylossesofhumanmerchandiseandbecauseofthishewasbelatedlygladtoavailhimselfoftheskillofPeterBlood.Thedoctorwenttoworkzealouslyandzestfully,andwroughtsoablythat,byhisministrationsandbyimprovingtheconditionofhisfellow-captives,hecheckedthespreadofthedisease.

TowardsthemiddleofDecembertheJamaicaMerchantdroppedanchorinCarlisleBay,andputashoretheforty-twosurvivingrebels-convict.

Iftheseunfortunateshadimagined--asmanyofthemappeartohavedone--thattheywerecomingintosomewild,savagecountry,theprospect,ofwhichtheyhadaglimpsebeforetheywerehustledover

theship'ssideintothewaitingboats,wasenoughtocorrecttheimpression.TheybeheldatownofsufficientlyimposingproportionscomposedofhousesbuiltuponEuropeannotionsofarchitecture,butwithoutanyofthehuddleusualinEuropeancities.Thespireofachurchrosedominantlyabovetheredroofs,afortguardedtheentranceofthewideharbour,withgunsthrustingtheirmuzzlesbetweenthecrenels,andthewidefacadeofGovernmentHouserevealeditselfdominantlyplacedonagentlehillabovethetown.ThishillwasvividlygreenasisanEnglishhillinApril,andthedaywassuchadayasAprilgivestoEngland,theseasonofheavyrainsbeingnewlyended.

Onawidecobbledspaceontheseafronttheyfoundaguardofred-coatedmilitiadrawnuptoreceivethem,andacrowd--attractedby

theirarrival--whichindressandmannerdifferedlittlefromacrowdinaseaportathomesavethatitcontainedfewerwomenandagreatnumberofnegroes.

Toinspectthem,drawnupthereonthemole,cameGovernorSteed,ashort,stout,red-facedgentleman,inbluetaffetasburdenedbyaprodigiousamountofgoldlace,wholimpedalittleandleanedheavilyuponastoutebonycane.Afterhim,intheuniformofacoloneloftheBarbadosMilitia,rolledatall,corpulentmanwhotoweredheadandshouldersabovetheGovernor,withmalevolenceplainlywrittenonhisenormousyellowishcountenance.Athisside,andcontrastingoddlywithhisgrossness,movingwithaneasystriplinggrace,cameaslightyoungladyinamodishriding-gown.Thebroadbrimofagreyhatwithscarlet

sweepofostrichplumeshadedanovalfaceuponwhichtheclimateoftheTropicofCancerhadmadenoimpression,sodelicatelyfairwasitscomplexion.Ringletsofred-brownhairhungtohershoulders.Franknesslookedoutfromherhazeleyeswhichweresetwide;commiserationrepressednowthemischievousnessthatnormallyinhabitedherfreshyoungmouth.

PeterBloodcaughthimselfstaringinasortofamazementatthatpiquantface,whichseemedheresooutofplace,andfindinghisstarereturned,heshifteduncomfortably.Hegrewconsciousofthesorry


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figurethathecut.Unwashed,withrankandmattedhairandadisfiguringblackbearduponhisface,andtheerstwhilesplendidsuitofblackcamletinwhichhehadbeentakenprisonernowreducedtoragsthatwouldhavedisgracedascarecrow,hewasinnocaseforinspectionbysuchdaintyeyesasthese.Nevertheless,theycontinuedtoinspecthimwithround-eyed,almostchildlikewonderandpity.Theirownerputforthahandtotouchthescarletsleeveofhercompanion,whereuponwithanill-temperedgruntthemanswunghisgreatbulkroundsothathedirectlyconfrontedher.

Lookingupintohisface,shewasspeakingtohimearnestly,buttheColonelplainlygavehernomorethanthehalfofhisattention.Hislittlebeadyeyes,closelyflankingafleshly,pendulousnose,hadpassedfromherandwerefixeduponfair-haired,sturdyyoungPitt,whowasstandingbesideBlood.

TheGovernorhadalsocometoahalt,andforamomentnowthatlittlegroupofthreestoodinconversation.Whattheladysaid,Petercouldnothearatall,forsheloweredhervoice;theColonel'sreachedhiminaconfusedrumble,buttheGovernorwasneitherconsideratenorindistinct;hehadahigh-pitchedvoicewhichcarriedfar,andbelievinghimselfwitty,hedesiredtobeheardbyall.

"But,mydearColonelBishop,itisforyoutotakefirstchoicefrom

thisdaintynosegay,andatyourownprice.Afterthatwe'llsendtheresttoauction."

ColonelBishopnoddedhisacknowledgment.Heraisedhisvoiceinanswering."Yourexcellencyisverygood.But,faith,they'reaweedylot,notlikelytobeofmuchvalueintheplantation."Hisbeadyeyesscannedthemagain,andhiscontemptofthemdeepenedthemalevolenceofhisface.Itwasasifhewereannoyedwiththemforbeinginnobettercondition.ThenhebeckonedforwardCaptainGardner,themasteroftheJamaicaMerchant,andforsomeminutesstoodintalkwithhimoveralistwhichthelatterproducedathisrequest.

Presentlyhewavedasidethelistandadvancedalonetowardsthe

rebels-convict,hiseyesconsideringthem,hislipspursed.BeforetheyoungSomersetshireshipmasterhecametoahalt,andstoodaninstantponderinghim.Thenhefingeredthemusclesoftheyoungman'sarm,andbadehimopenhismouththathemightseehisteeth.Hepursedhiscoarselipsagainandnodded.

HespoketoGardneroverhisshoulder.

"Fifteenpoundsforthisone."

TheCaptainmadeafaceofdismay."Fifteenpounds!Itisn'thalfwhatImeanttoaskforhim."

"ItisdoublewhatIhadmeanttogive,"gruntedtheColonel.

"Buthewouldbecheapatthirtypounds,yourhonour."

"Icangetanegroforthat.Thesewhiteswinedon'tlive.They'renotfitforthelabour."

GardnerbrokeintoprotestationsofPitt'shealth,youth,andvigour.Itwasnotamanhewasdiscussing;itwasabeastofburden.Pitt,asensitivelad,stoodmuteandunmoving.Onlytheebbandflowofcolour


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inhischeeksshowedtheinwardstrugglebywhichhemaintainedhisself-control.

PeterBloodwasnauseatedbytheloathsomehaggle.

Inthebackground,movingslowlyawaydownthelineofprisoners,wenttheladyinconversationwiththeGovernor,whosmirkedandpreenedhimselfashelimpedbesideher.ShewasunconsciousoftheloathlybusinesstheColonelwastransacting.Wasshe,wonderedBlood,indifferenttoit?

ColonelBishopswungonhisheeltopasson.

"I'llgoasfarastwentypounds.Notapennymore,andit'stwiceasmuchasyouareliketogetfromCrabston."

CaptainGardner,recognizingthefinalityofthetone,sighedandyielded.AlreadyBishopwasmovingdowntheline.ForMr.Blood,asforaweedyyouthonhisleft,theColonelhadnomorethanaglanceofcontempt.Butthenextman,amiddle-agedColossusnamedWolverstone,whohadlostaneyeatSedgemoor,drewhisregard,andthehagglingwasrecommenced.

PeterBloodstoodthereinthebrilliantsunshineandinhaledthe

fragrantair,whichwasunlikeanyairthathehadeverbreathed.Itwasladenwithastrangeperfume,blendoflogwoodflower,pimento,andaromaticcedars.Helosthimselfinunprofitablespeculationsbornofthatsingularfragrance.Hewasinnomoodforconversation,norwasPitt,whostooddumblyathisside,andwhowasafflictedmainlyatthemomentbythethoughtthathewasatlastabouttobeseparatedfromthismanwithwhomhehadstoodshouldertoshoulderthroughoutallthesetroublousmonths,andwhomhehadcometoloveanddependuponforguidanceandsustenance.Asenseoflonelinessandmiserypervadedhimbycontrastwithwhichallthathehadenduredseemedasnothing.ToPitt,thisseparationwasthepoignantclimaxofallhissufferings.

Otherbuyerscameandstaredatthem,andpassedon.Blooddidnotheed

them.Andthenattheendofthelinetherewasamovement.Gardnerwasspeakinginaloudvoice,makinganannouncementtothegeneralpublicofbuyersthathadwaiteduntilColonelBishophadtakenhischoiceofthathumanmerchandise.Ashefinished,Blood,lookinginhisdirection,noticedthatthegirlwasspeakingtoBishop,andpointingupthelinewithasilver-hiltedriding-whipshecarried.Bishopshadedhiseyeswithhishandtolookinthedirectioninwhichshewaspointing.Thenslowly,withhisponderous,rollinggait,heapproachedagainaccompaniedbyGardner,andfollowedbytheladyandtheGovernor.

OntheycameuntiltheColonelwasabreastofBlood.Hewouldhavepassedon,butthattheladytappedhisarmwithherwhip.

"ButthisisthemanImeant,"shesaid.

"Thisone?"Contemptranginthevoice.PeterBloodfoundhimselfstaringintoapairofbeadybrowneyessunkintoayellow,fleshlyfacelikecurrantsintoadumpling.Hefeltthecolourcreepingintohisfaceundertheinsultofthatcontemptuousinspection."Bah!Abagofbones.WhatshouldIdowithhim?"

HewasturningawaywhenGardnerinterposed.


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"Hemaybelean,buthe'stough;toughandhealthy.Whenhalfofthemwassickandtheotherhalfsickening,thisroguekepthislegsanddoctoredhisfellows.Butforhimthere'dha'beenmoredeathsthantherewas.Sayfifteenpoundsforhim,Colonel.That'scheapenough.He'stough,Itellyourhonour--toughandstrong,thoughhebelean.Andhe'sjustthemantobeartheheatwhenitcomes.Theclimate'llneverkillhim."

TherecameachucklefromGovernorSteed."Youhear,Colonel.Trustyourniece.Hersexknowsamanwhenitseesone."Andhelaughed,wellpleasedwithhiswit.

Buthelaughedalone.AcloudofannoyancesweptacrossthefaceoftheColonel'sniece,whilsttheColonelhimselfwastooabsorbedintheconsiderationofthisbargaintoheedtheGovernor'shumour.Hetwistedhislipalittle,strokinghischinwithhishandthewhile.JeremyPitthadalmostceasedtobreathe.

"I'llgiveyoutenpoundsforhim,"saidtheColonelatlast.

PeterBloodprayedthattheoffermightberejected.Fornoreasonthathecouldhavegivenyou,hewastakenwithrepugnanceatthethoughtofbecomingthepropertyofthisgrossanimal,andinsomesortthepropertyofthathazel-eyedyounggirl.Butitwouldneedmorethanrepugnancetosavehimfromhisdestiny.Aslaveisaslave,andhas

nopowertoshapehisfate.PeterBloodwassoldtoColonelBishop--adisdainfulbuyer--fortheignominioussumoftenpounds.

CHAPTERV.ARABELLABISHOP

OnesunnymorninginJanuary,aboutamonthafterthearrivaloftheJamaicaMerchantatBridgetown,MissArabellaBishoprodeoutfromheruncle'sfinehouseontheheightstothenorthwestofthecity.Shewasattendedbytwonegroeswhotrottedafterheratarespectfuldistance,andherdestinationwasGovernmentHouse,whithershewenttovisitthe

Governor'slady,whohadlatelybeenailing.Reachingthesummitofagentle,grassyslope,shemetatall,leanmandressedinasober,gentlemanlyfashion,whowaswalkingintheoppositedirection.Hewasastrangertoher,andstrangerswererareenoughintheisland.Andyetinsomevaguewayhedidnotseemquiteastranger.

MissArabelladrewrein,affectingtopausethatshemightadmiretheprospect,whichwasfairenoughtowarrantit.Yetoutofthecornerofthosehazeleyesshescannedthisfellowveryattentivelyashecamenearer.Shecorrectedherfirstimpressionofhisdress.Itwassoberenough,buthardlygentlemanly.Coatandbreecheswereofplainhomespun;andiftheformersatsowelluponhimitwasmorebyvirtueofhisnaturalgracethanbythatoftailoring.Hisstockingswereof

cotton,harshandplain,andthebroadcastor,whichherespectfullydoffedashecameupwithher,wasanoldoneunadornedbybandorfeather.Whathadseemedtobeaperiwigatalittledistancewasnowrevealedfortheman'sownlustrouscoilingblackhair.

Outofabrown,shaven,saturninefacetwoeyesthatwerestartlinglyblueconsideredhergravely.Themanwouldhavepassedonbutthatshedetainedhim.

"IthinkIknowyou,sir,"saidshe.


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Hervoicewascrispandboyish,andtherewassomethingofboyishnessinhermanner--ifonecanapplythetermtosodaintyalady.Itaroseperhapsfromanease,adirectness,whichdisdainedtheartificesofhersex,andsetherongoodtermswithalltheworld.TothisitmaybeduethatMissArabellahadreachedtheageoffiveandtwentynotmerelyunmarriedbutunwooed.Sheusedwithallmenasisterlyfranknesswhichinitselfcontainsaqualityofaloofness,renderingitdifficultforanymantobecomeherlover.

Hernegroeshadhaltedatsomedistanceintherear,andtheysquattednowupontheshortgrassuntilitshouldbeherpleasuretoproceeduponherway.

Thestrangercametoastandstilluponbeingaddressed.

"Aladyshouldknowherownproperty,"saidhe.

"Myproperty?"

"Youruncle's,leastways.Letmepresentmyself.IamcalledPeterBlood,andIamworthpreciselytenpounds.Iknowitbecausethatisthesumyourunclepaidforme.Itisnoteverymanhasthesameopportunitiesofascertaininghisrealvalue."

Sherecognizedhimthen.Shehadnotseenhimsincethatdayuponthemoleamonthago,andthatsheshouldnotinstantlyhaveknownhimagaindespitetheinteresthehadthenarousedinherisnotsurprising,consideringthechangehehadwroughtinhisappearance,whichnowwashardlythatofaslave.

"MyGod!"saidshe."Andyoucanlaugh!"

"It'sanachievement,"headmitted."Butthen,IhavenotfaredasillasImight."

"Ihaveheardofthat,"saidshe.

Whatshehadheardwasthatthisrebel-convicthadbeendiscoveredtobeaphysician.ThethinghadcometotheearsofGovernorSteed,whosuffereddamnablyfromthegout,andGovernorSteedhadborrowedthefellowfromhispurchaser.Whetherbyskillorgoodfortune,PeterBloodhadaffordedtheGovernorthatreliefwhichhisexcellencyhadfailedtoobtainfromtheministrationsofeitherofthetwophysicianspractisinginBridgetown.ThentheGovernor'sladyhaddesiredhimtoattendherforthemegrims.Mr.Bloodhadfoundhersufferingfromnothingworsethanpeevishness--theresultofanaturalpetulanceaggravatedbythedulnessoflifeinBarbadostoaladyofhersocialaspirations.Buthehadprescribedforhernonetheless,andshehadconceivedherselfthebetterforhisprescription.Afterthatthefameofhimhadgonethrough

Bridgetown,andColonelBishophadfoundthattherewasmoreprofittobemadeoutofthisnewslavebyleavinghimtopursuehisprofessionthanbysettinghimtoworkontheplantations,forwhichpurposehehadbeenoriginallyacquired.

"Itisyourself,madam,Ihavetothankformycomparativelyeasyandcleancondition,"saidMr.Blood,"andIamgladtotakethisopportunityofdoingso."

Thegratitudewasinhiswordsratherthaninhistone.Washemocking,


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shewondered,andlookedathimwiththesearchingfranknessthatanothermighthavefounddisconcerting.Hetooktheglanceforaquestion,andansweredit.

"Ifsomeotherplanterhadboughtme,"heexplained,"itisoddsthatthefactsofmyshiningabilitiesmightneverhavebeenbroughttolight,andIshouldbehewingandhoeingatthismomentlikethepoorwretcheswhowerelandedwithme."

"Andwhydoyouthankmeforthat?Itwasmyunclewhoboughtyou."

"Buthewouldnothavedonesohadyounoturgedhim.Iperceivedyourinterest.AtthetimeIresentedit."

"Youresentedit?"Therewasachallengeinherboyishvoice.

"Ihavehadnolackofexperiencesofthismortallife;buttobeboughtandsoldwasanewone,andIwashardlyinthemoodtolovemypurchaser."

"IfIurgedyouuponmyuncle,sir,itwasthatIcommiseratedyou."Therewasaslightseverityinhertone,asiftoreprovethemixtureofmockeryandflippancyinwhichheseemedtobespeaking.

Sheproceededtoexplainherself."Myunclemayappeartoyouahardman.Nodoubtheis.Theyareallhardmen,theseplanters.Itisthelife,Isuppose.Butthereareothersherewhoareworse.ThereisMr.Crabston,forinstance,upatSpeightstown.Hewasthereonthemole,waitingtobuymyuncle'sleavings,andifyouhadfallenintohishands...Adreadfulman.Thatiswhy."

Hewasalittlebewildered.

"Thisinterestinastranger..."hebegan.Thenchangedthedirectionofhisprobe."Buttherewereothersasdeservingofcommiseration."

"Youdidnotseemquiteliketheothers."

"Iamnot,"saidhe.

"Oh!"Shestaredathim,bridlingalittle."Youhaveagoodopinionofyourself."

"Onthecontrary.Theothersareallworthyrebels.Iamnot.Thatisthedifference.IwasonewhohadnotthewittoseethatEnglandrequirespurifying.Iwascontenttopursueadoctor'stradeinBridgewaterwhilstmybettersweresheddingtheirbloodtodriveoutanuncleantyrantandhisrascallycrew."

"Sir!"shecheckedhim."Ithinkyouaretalkingtreason."

"IhopeIamnotobscure,"saidhe.

"Therearethoseherewhowouldhaveyoufloggediftheyheardyou."

"TheGovernorwouldneverallowit.Hehasthegout,andhisladyhasthemegrims."

"Doyoudependuponthat?"Shewasfranklyscornful.


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"Youhavecertainlyneverhadthegout;probablynoteventhemegrims,"saidhe.

Shemadealittleimpatientmovementwithherhand,andlookedawayfromhimamoment,outtosea.Quitesuddenlyshelookedathimagain;andnowherbrowswereknit.

"Butifyouarenotarebel,howcomeyouhere?"

Hesawthethingsheapprehended,andhelaughed."Faith,now,it'salongstory,"saidhe.

"Andoneperhapsthatyouwouldprefernottotell?"

Brieflyonthathetoldither.

"MyGod!Whataninfamy!"shecried,whenhehaddone.

"Oh,it'sasweetcountryEnglandunderKingJames!There'snoneedtocommiseratemefurther.AllthingsconsideredIpreferBarbados.HereatleastonecanbelieveinGod."

Helookedfirsttoright,thentoleftashespoke,fromthedistantshadowybulkofMountHillbaytothelimitlessoceanruffledbythe

windsofheaven.Then,asifthefairprospectrenderedhimconsciousofhisownlittlenessandtheinsignificanceofhiswoes,hefellthoughtful.

"Isthatsodifficultelsewhere?"sheaskedhim,andshewasverygrave.

"Menmakeitso."

"Isee."Shelaughedalittle,onanoteofsadness,itseemedtohim."IhaveneverdeemedBarbadostheearthlymirrorofheaven,"sheconfessed."ButnodoubtyouknowyourworldbetterthanI."Shetouchedherhorsewithherlittlesilver-hiltedwhip."Icongratulateyouonthiseasingofyourmisfortunes."

Hebowed,andshemovedon.Hernegroessprangup,andwenttrottingafterher.

AwhilePeterBloodremainedstandingthere,whereshelefthim,conningthesunlitwatersofCarlisleBaybelow,andtheshippinginthatspacioushavenaboutwhichthegullswereflutteringnoisily.

Itwasafairenoughprospect,hereflected,butitwasaprison,andinannouncingthathepreferredittoEngland,hehadindulgedthatalmostlaudableformofboastingwhichliesinbelittlingourmisadventures.

Heturned,andresuminghisway,wentoffinlong,swingingstrides

towardsthelittlehuddleofhutsbuiltofmudandwattles--aminiaturevillageenclosedinastockadewhichtheplantationslavesinhabited,andwherehe,himself,waslodgedwiththem.

ThroughhismindsangthelineofLovelace:

"Stonewallsdonotaprisonmake,Norironbarsacage."

Buthegaveitafreshmeaning,theveryconverseofthatwhichits


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authorhadintended.Aprison,hereflected,wasaprison,thoughithadneitherwallsnorbars,howeverspaciousitmightbe.Andasherealizeditthatmorningsohewastorealizeitincreasinglyastimespedon.Dailyhecametothinkmoreofhisclippedwings,ofhisexclusionfromtheworld,andlessofthefortuitouslibertyheenjoyed.Nordidthecontrastingofhiscomparativelyeasylotwiththatofhisunfortunatefellow-convictsbringhimthesatisfactionadifferentlyconstitutedmindmighthavederivedfromit.Ratherdidthecontemplationoftheirmiseryincreasethebitternessthatwasgatheringinhissoul.

Oftheforty-twowhohadbeenlandedwithhimfromtheJamaicaMerchant,ColonelBishophadpurchasednolessthantwenty-five.Theremainderhadgonetolesserplanters,someofthemtoSpeightstown,andothersstillfarthernorth.Whatmayhavebeenthelotofthelatterhecouldnottell,butamongstBishop'sslavesPeterBloodcameandwentfreely,sleepingintheirquarters,andtheirlotheknewtobeabrutalizingmisery.Theytoiledinthesugarplantationsfromsunrisetosunset,andiftheirlaboursflagged,therewerethewhipsoftheoverseerandhismentoquickenthem.Theywentinrags,somealmostnaked;theydweltinsqualor,andtheywereill-nourishedonsaltedmeatandmaizedumplings--foodwhichtomanyofthemwasforaseasonatleastsonauseatingthattwoofthemsickenedanddiedbeforeBishoprememberedthattheirliveshadacertainvalueinlabourtohimandyieldedtoBlood'sintercessionsforabettercareofsuchasfellill.Tocurb

insubordination,oneofthemwhohadrebelledagainstKent,thebrutaloverseer,waslashedtodeathbynegroesunderhiscomrades'eyes,andanotherwhohadbeensomisguidedastorunawayintothewoodswastracked,broughtback,flogged,andthenbrandedontheforeheadwiththeletters"F.T.,"thatallmightknowhimforafugitivetraitoraslongashelived.Fortunatelyforhimthepoorfellowdiedasaconsequenceoftheflogging.

Afterthatadull,spiritlessresignationsettleddownupontheremainder.Themostmutinouswerequelled,andacceptedtheirunspeakablelotwiththetragicfortitudeofdespair.

PeterBloodalone,escapingtheseexcessivesufferings,remained

outwardlyunchanged,whilstinwardlytheonlychangeinhimwasadailydeeperhatredofhiskind,adailydeeperlongingtoescapefromthisplacewheremandefiledsofoullythelovelyworkofhisCreator.Itwasalongingtoovaguetoamounttoahope.Hopeherewasinadmissible.Andyethedidnotyieldtodespair.Hesetamaskoflaughteronhissaturninecountenanceandwenthisway,treatingthesicktotheprofitofColonelBishop,andencroachingfurtherandfurtheruponthepreservesofthetwoothermenofmedicineinBridgetown.

Immunefromthedegradingpunishmentsandprivationsofhisfellow-convicts,hewasenabledtokeephisself-respect,andwastreatedwithoutharshnessevenbythesoullessplantertowhomhehadbeensold.Heoweditalltogoutandmegrims.Hehadwontheesteemof

GovernorSteed,and--whatisevenmoreimportant--ofGovernorSteed'slady,whomheshamelesslyandcynicallyflatteredandhumoured.

OccasionallyhesawMissBishop,andtheyseldommetbutthatshepausedtoholdhiminconversationforsomemoments,evincingherinterestinhim.Himself,hewasneverdisposedtolinger.Hewasnot,hetoldhimself,tobedeceivedbyherdelicateexterior,hersaplinggrace,hereasy,boyishwaysandpleasant,boyishvoice.Inallhislife--andithadbeenveryvaried--hehadnevermetamanwhomheaccountedmorebeastlythanheruncle,andhecouldnotdissociateherfromtheman.


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Shewashisniece,ofhisownblood,andsomeofthevicesofit,someoftheremorselesscrueltyofthewealthyplantermust,heargued,inhabitthatpleasantbodyofhers.Hearguedthisveryoftentohimself,asifansweringandconvincingsomeinstinctthatpleadedotherwise,andarguingitheavoidedherwhenitwaspossible,andwasfrigidlycivilwhenitwasnot.

Justifiableashisreasoningwas,plausibleasitmayseem,yethewouldhavedonebettertohavetrustedtheinstinctthatwasinconflictwithit.ThoughthesamebloodraninherveinsasinthoseofColonelBishop,yetherswasfreeofthevicesthattaintedheruncle's,fortheseviceswerenotnaturaltothatblood;theywere,inhiscase,acquired.Herfather,TomBishop--thatsameColonelBishop'sbrother--hadbeenakindly,chivalrous,gentlesoul,who,broken-heartedbytheearlydeathofayoungwife,hadabandonedtheOldWorldandsoughtananodyneforhisgriefintheNew.HehadcomeouttotheAntilles,bringingwithhimhislittledaughter,thenfiveyearsofage,andhadgivenhimselfuptothelifeofaplanter.Hehadprosperedfromthefirst,asmensometimeswillwhocarenothingforprosperity.Prospering,hehadbethoughthimofhisyoungerbrother,asoldierathomereputedsomewhatwild.HehadadvisedhimtocomeouttoBarbados;andtheadvice,whichatanotherseasonWilliamBishopmighthavescorned,reachedhimatamomentwhenhiswildnesswasbeginningtobearsuchfruitthatachangeofclimatewasdesirable.Williamcame,and

wasadmittedbyhisgenerousbrothertoapartnershipintheprosperousplantation.Somesixyearslater,whenArabellawasfifteen,herfatherdied,leavingherinheruncle'sguardianship.Itwasperhapshisonemistake.Butthegoodnessofhisownnaturecolouredhisviewsofothermen;moreover,himself,hehadconductedtheeducationofhisdaughter,givingheranindependenceofcharacteruponwhichperhapshecountedunduly.Asthingswere,therewaslittlelovebetweenuncleandniece.Butshewasdutifultohim,andhewascircumspectinhisbehaviourbeforeher.Allhislife,andforallhiswildness,hehadgoneinacertainaweofhisbrother,whoseworthhehadthewittorecognize;andnowitwasalmostasifsomeofthatawewastransferredtohisbrother'schild,whowasalso,inasense,hispartner,althoughshetooknoactivepartinthebusinessoftheplantations.

PeterBloodjudgedher--aswearealltoopronetojudge--uponinsufficientknowledge.

Hewasverysoontohavecausetocorrectthatjudgment.OnedaytowardstheendofMay,whentheheatwasbeginningtogrowoppressive,therecrawledintoCarlisleBayawounded,batteredEnglishship,thePrideofDevon,herfreeboardscarredandbroken,hercoachagapingwreck,hermizzensoshotawaythatonlyajaggedstumpremainedtotelltheplacewhereithadstood.ShehadbeeninactionoffMartiniquewithtwoSpanishtreasureships,andalthoughhercaptainsworethattheSpaniardshadbesethimwithoutprovocation,itisdifficulttoavoidasuspicionthattheencounterhadbeenbroughtaboutquiteotherwise.One

oftheSpaniardshadfledfromthecombat,andifthePrideofDevonhadnotgivenchaseitwasprobablybecauseshewasbytheninnocasetodoso.Theotherhadbeensunk,butnotbeforetheEnglishshiphadtransferredtoherownholdagooddealofthetreasureaboardtheSpaniard.Itwas,infact,oneofthosepiraticalaffrayswhichwereaperpetualsourceoftroublebetweenthecourtsofSt.James'sandtheEscurial,complaintsemanatingnowfromoneandnowfromtheotherside.

Steed,however,afterthefashionofmostColonialgovernors,waswillingenoughtodullhiswitstotheextentofacceptingtheEnglish


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seaman'sstory,disregardinganyevidencethatmightbelieit.Hesharedthehatredsorichlydeservedbyarrogant,overbearingSpainthatwascommontomenofeveryothernationfromtheBahamastotheMain.ThereforehegavethePrideofDevonthesheltershesoughtinhisharbourandeveryfacilitytocareenandcarryoutrepairs.

Butbeforeitcametothis,theyfetchedfromherholdoverascoreofEnglishseamenasbatteredandbrokenastheshipherself,andtogetherwiththesesomehalf-dozenSpaniardsinlikecase,theonlysurvivorsofaboardingpartyfromtheSpanishgalleonthathadinvadedtheEnglishshipandfounditselfunabletoretreat.Thesewoundedmenwereconveyedtoalongshedonthewharf,andthemedicalskillofBridgetownwassummonedtotheiraid.PeterBloodwasorderedtobearahandinthiswork,andpartlybecausehespokeCastilian--andhespokeitasfluentlyashisownnativetongue--partlybecauseofhisinferiorconditionasaslave,hewasgiventheSpaniardsforhispatients.

NowBloodhadnocausetoloveSpaniards.HistwoyearsinaSpanishprisonandhissubsequentcampaigningintheSpanishNetherlandshadshownhimasideoftheSpanishcharacterwhichhehadfoundanythingbutadmirable.Neverthelessheperformedhisdoctor'sdutieszealouslyandpainstakingly,ifemotionlessly,andevenwithacertainsuperficialfriendlinesstowardseachofhispatients.Theseweresosurprisedathavingtheirwoundshealedinsteadofbeingsummarilyhangedthatthey

manifestedadocilityveryunusualintheirkind.Theywereshunned,however,byallthosecharitablydisposedinhabitantsofBridgetownwhoflockedtotheimprovisedhospitalwithgiftsoffruitandflowersanddelicaciesfortheinjuredEnglishseamen.Indeed,hadthewishesofsomeoftheseinhabitantsbeenregarded,theSpaniardswouldhavebeenlefttodielikevermin,andofthisPeterBloodhadanexamplealmostattheveryoutset.

Withtheassistanceofoneofthenegroessenttotheshedforthepurpose,hewasintheactofsettingabrokenleg,whenadeep,gruffvoice,thathehadcometoknowanddislikeashehadneverdislikedthevoiceoflivingman,abruptlychallengedhim.

"Whatareyoudoingthere?"

Blooddidnotlookupfromhistask.Therewasnottheneed.Heknewthevoice,asIhavesaid.

"Iamsettingabrokenleg,"heanswered,withoutpausinginhislabours.

"Icanseethat,fool."AbulkybodyinterposedbetweenPeterBloodandthewindow.Thehalf-nakedmanonthestrawrolledhisblackeyestostareupfearfullyoutofaclay-colouredfaceatthisintruder.AknowledgeofEnglishwasunnecessarytoinformhimthatherecameanenemy.Theharsh,minatorynoteofthatvoicesufficientlyexpressedthe

fact."Icanseethat,fool;justasIcanseewhattherascalis.WhogaveyouleavetosetSpanishlegs?"

"Iamadoctor,ColonelBishop.Themaniswounded.Itisnotformetodiscriminate.Ikeeptomytrade."

"Doyou,byGod!Ifyou'ddonethat,youwouldn'tnowbehere."

"Onthecontrary,itisbecauseIdiditthatIamhere."


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"Aye,Iknowthat'syourlyingtale."TheColonelsneered;andthen,observingBloodtocontinuehisworkunmoved,hegrewreallyangry."Willyouceasethat,andattendtomewhenIamspeaking?"

PeterBloodpaused,butonlyforaninstant."Themanisinpain,"hesaidshortly,andresumedhiswork.

"Inpain,ishe?Ihopeheis,thedamnedpiraticaldog.Butwillyouheedme,youinsubordinateknave?"

TheColoneldeliveredhimselfinaroar,infuriatedbywhatheconceivedtobedefiance,anddefianceexpressingitselfinthemostunruffleddisregardofhimself.Hislongbamboocanewasraisedtostrike.PeterBlood'sblueeyescaughttheflashofit,andhespokequicklytoarresttheblow.

"Notinsubordinate,sir,whateverImaybe.IamactingupontheexpressordersofGovernorSteed."

TheColonelchecked,hisgreatfaceempurpling.Hismouthfellopen.

"GovernorSteed!"heechoed.Thenheloweredhiscane,swunground,andwithoutanotherwordtoBloodrolledawaytowardstheotherendoftheshedwheretheGovernorwasstandingatthemoment.

PeterBloodchuckled.Buthistriumphwasdictatedlessbyhumanitarianconsiderationsthanbythereflectionthathehadbaulkedhisbrutalowner.

TheSpaniard,realizingthatinthisaltercation,whateveritsnature,thedoctorhadstoodhisfriend,venturedinamutedvoicetoaskhimwhathadhappened.Butthedoctorshookhisheadinsilence,andpursuedhiswork.HisearswerestrainingtocatchthewordsnowpassingbetweenSteedandBishop.TheColonelwasblusteringandstorming,thegreatbulkofhimtoweringabovethewizenedlittleoverdressedfigureoftheGovernor.Butthelittlefopwasnottobebrowbeaten.Hisexcellencywasconsciousthathehadbehindhimtheforceofpublicopinionto

supporthim.Sometheremightbe,buttheywerenotmany,whoheldsuchruthlessviewsasColonelBishop.Hisexcellencyassertedhisauthority.ItwasbyhisordersthatBloodhaddevotedhimselftothewoundedSpaniards,andhisordersweretobecarriedout.Therewasnomoretobesaid.

ColonelBishopwasofanotheropinion.Inhisviewtherewasagreatdealtobesaid.Hesaidit,withgreatcircumstance,loudly,vehemently,obscenely--forhecouldbefluentlyobscenewhenmovedtoanger.

"YoutalklikeaSpaniard,Colonel,"saidtheGovernor,andthusdealttheColonel'sprideawoundthatwastosmartresentfullyformanya

week.Atthemomentitstruckhimsilent,andsenthimstampingoutoftheshedinarageforwhichhecouldfindnowords.

ItwastwodayslaterwhentheladiesofBridgetown,thewivesanddaughtersofherplantersandmerchants,paidtheirfirstvisitofcharitytothewharf,bringingtheirgiftstothewoundedseamen.

AgainPeterBloodwasthere,ministeringtothesufferersinhiscare,movingamongthoseunfortunateSpaniardswhomnooneheeded.Allthecharity,allthegiftswereforthemembersofthecrewofthePride


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ofDevon.AndthisPeterBloodaccountednaturalenough.Butrisingsuddenlyfromthere-dressingofawound,ataskinwhichhehadbeenabsorbedforsomemoments,hesawtohissurprisethatonelady,detachedfromthegeneralthrong,wasplacingsomeplantainsandabundleofsucculentsugarcaneonthecloakthatservedoneofhispatientsforacoverlet.Shewaselegantlydressedinlavendersilkandwasfollowedbyahalf-nakednegrocarryingabasket.

PeterBlood,strippedofhiscoat,thesleevesofhiscoarseshirtrolledtotheelbow,andholdingabloodyraginhishand,stoodatgazeamoment.Thelady,turningnowtoconfronthim,herlipspartinginasmileofrecognition,wasArabellaBishop.

"Theman'saSpaniard,"saidhe,inthetoneofonewhocorrectsamisapprehension,andalsotingedneversofaintlybysomethingofthederisionthatwasinhissoul.

Thesmilewithwhichshehadbeengreetinghimwitheredonherlips.Shefrownedandstaredathimamoment,withincreasinghaughtiness.

"SoIperceive.Buthe'sahumanbeingnonetheless,"saidshe.

Thatanswer,anditsimpliedrebuke,tookhimbysurprise.

"Youruncle,theColonel,isofadifferentopinion,"saidhe,whenhehadrecovered."Heregardsthemasvermintobelefttolanguishanddieoftheirfesteringwounds."

Shecaughttheironynowmoreplainlyinhisvoice.Shecontinuedtostareathim.

"Whydoyoutellmethis?"

"TowarnyouthatyoumaybeincurringtheColonel'sdispleasure.Ifhehadhadhisway,Ishouldneverhavebeenallowedtodresstheirwounds."

"Andyouthought,ofcourse,thatImustbeofmyuncle'smind?"Therewasacrispnessabouthervoice,anominouschallengingsparkleinherhazeleyes.

"I'dnotwillinglyberudetoaladyeveninmythoughts,"saidhe."Butthatyoushouldbestowgiftsonthem,consideringthatifyourunclecametohearofit...."Hepaused,leavingthesentenceunfinished."Ah,well--thereitis!"heconcluded.

Buttheladywasnotsatisfiedatall.

"Firstyouimputetomeinhumanity,andthencowardice.Faith!Foramanwhowouldnotwillinglyberudetoaladyeveninhisthoughts,it's

nonesobad."Herboyishlaughtrilledout,butthenoteofitjarredhisearsthistime.

Hesawhernow,itseemedtohim,forthefirsttime,andsawhowhehadmisjudgedher.

"Sure,now,howwasItoguessthat...thatColonelBishopcouldhaveanangelforhisniece?"saidherecklessly,forhewasrecklessasmenoftenareinsuddenpenitence.


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"Youwouldn't,ofcourse.Ishouldn'tthinkyouoftenguessaright."Havingwitheredhimwiththatandherglance,sheturnedtohernegroandthebasketthathecarried.Fromthissheliftednowthefruitsanddelicacieswithwhichitwasladen,andpiledtheminsuchheapsuponthebedsofthesixSpaniardsthatbythetimeshehadsoservedthelastofthemherbasketwasempty,andtherewasnothingleftforherownfellow-countrymen.These,indeed,stoodinnoneedofherbounty--asshenodoubtobserved--sincetheywerebeingplentifullysuppliedbyothers.

Havingthusemptiedherbasket,shecalledhernegro,andwithoutanotherwordorsomuchasanotherglanceatPeterBlood,sweptoutoftheplacewithherheadhighandchinthrustforward.

Peterwatchedherdeparture.Thenhefetchedasigh.

Itstartledhimtodiscoverthatthethoughtthathehadincurredherangergavehimconcern.Itcouldnothavebeensoyesterday.Itbecamesoonlysincehehadbeenvouchsafedthisrevelationofhertruenature."Badcesstoitnow,itservesmeright.ItseemsIknownothingatallofhumannature.ButhowthedevilwasItoguessthatafamilythatcanbreedadevillikeColonelBishopshouldalsobreedasaintlikethis?"

CHAPTERVI.PLANSOFESCAPE

AfterthatArabellaBishopwentdailytotheshedonthewharfwithgiftsoffruit,andlaterofmoneyandofwearingapparelfortheSpanishprisoners.ButshecontrivedsototimehervisitsthatPeterBloodneveragainmetherthere.Alsohisownvisitsweregrowingshorterinameasureashispatientshe

CAPTAIN BLOOD By Rafael Sabatini

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