French court.”
“At the Court of Saint Germains?” cried Thirlwall.
“Precisely,” said the butler.
“Why, you seem to insinuate that it’s the Chevalier de Saint George in person, Newbiggin.”
“I’ve my own idea on that point, Thirlwall,” said the butler. “If it should turn out as I suspect, we’re on the eve of an insurrection. The prince wouldn’t come here on a trifling errand. But keep quiet for the present – this is mere conjecture.”
The butler then returned to the dining-room, while Mr. Thirlwall hurried to the servants’ hall, where he retailed all he had just heard, with some additions of his own.
In less than half-an-hour it was known among the whole household that his majesty, King James the Third, had arrived, in disguise, at the castle.
III. – NICHOLAS RIBBLETON
If any confirmation were wanted of the suspicions now generally entertained by Mr. Newbiggin and the rest of the servants that a rising was imminent, it was afforded by the earl, who took his guest, as soon as luncheon was over, to see the arms stored in the old tower.
The inspection occupied some time, for three or four chambers had to be visited, each full of muskets, calivers, pistols, cartouche-boxes, powder-horns, shot-bags, belts, swords of various sizes and make, hatchets, pikes, halberts, black leather caps, drums, kettle-drums, trumpets, fifes, and other martial instruments. In a vault beneath the basement floor were bestowed several barrels of gunpowder.
When the examination was finished, the prince expressed himself delighted with the preparations made.
“You told me you could arm and equip two or three hundred men, cousin,” he said. “And I now perceive you did not exaggerate. But where are the men?”
“I have but to ride to Alston Moor, my liege, to find them, and bring them back with me,” said Charles Rad-clyffe.
“Men and arms are ready,” said the earl. “Shall we raise the standard?” he added, lifting up the flag.
At this moment, as if in response to the appeal, shouts were heard outside, and several voices exclaimed:
“Long live King James the Third!”
“Is this premeditated, cousin?” said the prince.
“No, by my faith,” replied the earl. “But it seems your majesty’s presence has been discovered – how I know not. Shall I send away the troublesome varlets?”
“‘Twere needless, since the discovery has been made,” said the prince, who did not seem much displeased.
“Your majesty need feel no uneasiness,” observed Father Norham, who formed one of the party. “There are no traitors at Dilston. All here are loyal, and would die rather than betray you.”
“On that assurance I shall not hesitate to show myself to them,” said the prince. “Attend me, I pray you, cousin.”
The massive door being thrown open, a singular spectacle was seen.
In front of the tower was collected a large number of the household, with several out-door servants – grooms, gamekeepers, huntsmen, gardeners, and their assistants – most of them young and active-looking, though the coachman was old and stout, and there were three or four others, who must have lived in the family for half a century. But these were just as enthusiastic as their comrades.
When the prince appeared another loud shout arose, and would have been renewed had not the earl commanded silence.
“I thank you heartily, my good friends, for this manifestation of your zeal,” said the prince. “Do not imagine, because I have come hither in disguise, that I am afraid to trust myself with you, or, in the slightest degree, doubt your fidelity. The Earl of Derwentwater, your master, is my best friend, and dear to me as a brother. No one can live with him without sharing his sentiments. I could not, therefore, have any distrust. But I feared that in the excess of your zeal you might not keep guard upon your tongues, and I am very desirous that my landing in England, and arrival at Dilston, should not be known for the present. Secrecy, as you will easily understand, is essential to the success of my projects.”
A murmur of delight arose from the assemblage, but further shouting was checked by Newbiggin, who, stepping forward, made a profound obeisance to the prince, and said:
“Your majesty need fear no indiscretion on our part. I will answer for my fellow-servants. We know the importance of our trust.”
“Ay, that we do,” cried several voices.
“I am perfectly satisfied,” said the prince; “and I shall feel easier now that this explanation has taken place. Again accept my thanks for your manifestation of sympathy and attachment to me. I cannot speak to you all, but there is one among you to whom I would fain say a word.”
And he designated a tall, fine old man, standing at the back of the assemblage.
“That is Nicholas Ribbleton, my liege,” said Newbiggin. “He lived with his lordship’s grandfather.”
“And was much liked by him, and by my father,” added the earl. “Nicholas Ribbleton will always have a home at Dilston.”
“Bring him to me,” said the prince.
Summoned by the butler, old Ribbleton would have thrown himself at the prince’s feet, but the latter prevented him, and gave him his hand, which the old man pressed devotedly to his heart.
“I never expected such an honour as this,” he said. “Your majesty is too gracious to me. I have always been devoted to your royal house, and shall continue so to the last. It may sound boastful when I say that both King Charles the Second, and your august father, King James, deigned to notice me. Long have I desired to behold your majesty, and now the wish is gratified.” Here emotion choked his utterance for a moment but he added, “If I live to see your majesty on the throne I shall die content Long have we looked for your coming, but now you are come, don’t turn back till you have won the victory. You have right on your side. The crown belongs to your majesty and not to Queen Anne. If she won’t surrender it, take it! Such is the advice that an old man, who has spoken to the king, your father, and your royal uncle, dares to give you. Pardon my freedom, sire!”
“I not only pardon it, but am obliged to you for speaking so freely,” replied the prince, in a gracious and encouraging tone. “What will you say if Queen Anne should surrender the crown to me?”
“I shall say that a miracle has been worked,” said Ribbleton. “But judging by her conduct, it seems very unlikely that she will act justly. Were I your majesty, I wouldn’t trust her promises, however fair they may be.”
“Thou art too bold, Ribbleton,” interposed Lord Derwentwater.
“Nay, I am not offended,” said the prince. “There is wisdom in the old man’s words. I will have some further talk with you anon, my good friend,” he added to Ribbleton, who made an obeisance, and retired highly pleased.
At the same time Newbiggin gave a sign to the rest of the household, and the place was quickly cleared.
IV. – THE LITTLE CHAPEL
Lord Derwentwater then took his royal guest to the stables, and showed him his fine stud of horses, with which the prince was greatly pleased. After looking over the collection, his highness made choice of a strong hackney for his proposed journey. The earl offered him his own dapple-grey steed, but the prince would not deprive him of his favourite.
No precise orders were given, but two of the grooms were told that they might have to set out for London on the morrow, and must therefore make all needful arrangements. The men asked no questions, but promised that his lordship’s injunctions should be attended to.
Father Norham had not accompanied the party to the stables, but proceeded to the little chapel before alluded to, where he was joined by the prince, and received his highness’s confession.
Mass was afterwards performed,