Mistress Nancy Molesworth

en I should have to grasp the pipe, as well as some ivy which had climbed up by its side. If I failed to reach the ledge I should fall, I knew not how far; or

of women, I felt a great desire to see the maid I had promised to take to Trevis

and the crevices wherein I could stick my feet were few. But I had often attempted this kind of thing as a boy, and before long I placed my arm round one of the huge merlons which the ancient Killigrews had caused to be placed there; and in a few seconds I lifted myself up so that my head

eamed. At first I could see nothing but chimneys; but presently I saw two dark forms hiding by

et down, the waves cast themselves on the beach, which was studded with huge masses of rock. The sea shone in the light of the moon, and behind the crest of every wave was a great streak of silver lustre, fair to behold. Far out, I could see the waves a-danci

he presence of two helpless women. All this came to me quickly-I seemed to realize it

s that of Amelia Lanteglos. And then I saw the other

uld; for though I would have little to do

suaded me to come here to-night. It is against my better judgment I have come, but--"

e wife of Peter Trevisa; for I had little doubt but that if those two men once got her there, they would try to frame arguments strong enough to make her yield to their wishes. But this was only for a moment. I reflected that women wer

r a few minutes," I said, wipi

she said kindly; "and-a

rom the old

one could do it!" This she said in low,

her way of getting here from my chamber. One has to ris

of the Killigrews?

of ear-shot of the serving-mai

g

unless desperate measures are taken," I replied. "I k

o you

s Nancy Moleswor

ger Penryn, so my maid tell

her hair was of chestnut hue, and it flashed brightly even in the night light. Her face appeared very pale, and her eyes shone as though she were much excited; but she was a very beautiful maid. She was not of t

will trust me," I said. "Believe me, I have come to take y

he

ld you go?

yes fastened upon me, and it seemed to me as though she were reading my innermost thoughts.

you in marriage, but your guardian refused. Last night he came here and repeated

king, as I thought, mor

"he offered you a home in his father's house. He spoke hotly, indiscreetly, but still a

nor did she make

ive steel for a welcome. But I admire him. I am always proud to call such as he my friend; so if I can

ehow the girl's eyes made me feel uncomfortable.

John Polperro?" s

ful. I should have felt far more at ease could I have taken her away by force than have subjected myself to this kind of work. Still, circumstances had made force of such

wish? You are trying to do

sk such questions. Was I not planning to tak

nd I should either have been killed or crippled for life. Neither is it an easy thing to deal

the finest possible opportunity. I found no difficulty in trying to deceive old Colman Killigrew. Why, then, should this chit of a maid make me stammer? What could

she might tell[Pg 89] you of my desire to meet you. I have risked my li

encountered. Had I been acting a straightforward part, I should not hav

could be ready by to-morrow night. It could be done without detection. A rope could be fastened around yon battlements-it is only a dozen feet or so

discovered?" sh

r pleasure than to fight the

see my face so plainly. And yet I had her at advantage. She loved not the Killigrews-she hated the thought of wedding Otho. Probably I appeared as her onl

g

med me. It would not harm me if you were to marry Otho. Possibly he would make you as good a husband as-as another. But I-I gave a promise that I would set you fre

angered me by the truthfulness of her looks, and the

my offer, and if I succeeded in effecting her escape, she would have to travel alon

u speak as if you--" she hesitated as thoug

ined s

e said. "I am surrounded by those I cannot trust. I hate-loathe the thought of--" again she s

der, and,[Pg 91] like a schoolboy d

Roger Penryn

N

now John

N

ho knew nothing of the world. I was glad I had told the truth, and yet I reproached myself for being beaten at the first definite move in the game I was playing. Probably the whole thing had been rendered i

een too much for me-she, a simple maid scarcely out of her tee

eds hire you. Not being able to work their will with me, even although I am a prisoner, they must needs

ounded me[Pg 92] sorely. "I am not the tool of these people. Nay, my life is i

who comes professing a false name, and who pretends to be the friend of a man to wh

you easily; but enough. There is no need that I sh

is it?" she said; "and why have you trie

ot utter the word. I could not tell her I was a Trev

would I if you had trusted in me. Nay, as God is my witness,"-and this I cried out passionately

spot where I had ascende

ll be far more difficult to g

at?" I repl

heek,[Pg 93]-"there is another road

is a se

She would lead him away a few steps out of

e to pass through

w you the way. I

ngry with her. "I will not b

later stood on the old castle walls again. Arrived there, I stopped and listened; but no sound reached me. I looked up, and saw that the maid Nancy Molesworth had followed my descent-saw that she was watching me now. There was an expression of wonder, of bewilderme

your friend. Perhaps some day I may be able to show it." Then I[Pg 94

ut stammering. The next I found myself pitying her, and calling myself a traitor to my name for not seeking to rescue her from the Killigrews. Sometimes I cursed myself for being as easily moved as a boy

lty I had given it up like a puling girl? I had taken his money, I had given my word that I would do his work;-could I give it up? Even although Trevanion did not lie at the end of the business, it were unfair and cowardly to fail in my undertaking thus. Well, supposing I decided to make a second attempt; suppose I decided to devise new

rrow I will start for London, and there I will seek for work more congenial to me. If this Charles comes to England, King George will need good swords." But even as these thoughts passed through my mind, I was not s

asked, like one aw

," said a voice