Roger Willoughby | Page 7

bumping, and rolling, that was an
advantage. Oftentimes I feared that the coach would go over altogether
into the ditch, when I was thankful that there was not any one outside
except the coachman and guard, who are in a manner born to it, to
break their necks. Still, notwithstanding all impediments, we
accomplished thirty miles a day; that is fast going, you will allow,

compared to the stage-wagon or other ancient means of conveyance.
Once only we were stopped by highwaymen, but the guard's
blunderbuss disposed of one of them, and an old officer, who was
fortunately for us one of the passengers, though his legs were of the
longest, shot another, and the rest, fearing that the Major's pistols
would settle a third of their gang, rode off, leaving us to proceed
unmolested. Mine host of the `Green Dragon,' where we had stopped,
seemed greatly surprised at seeing us arrive safely, and pulled a long
face at hearing of the highwayman whom the Major had shot, for he
owed a long score, he acknowledged, which he had now no chance of
getting paid. At Salisbury I found my nag and servants, and, leaving the
coach, proceeded on to this place by such roads as I could discover. It
was one comfort to believe that we were not likely to encounter
highwaymen by paths so little frequented, though we had several
streams to cross, where we ran no small risk of our lives, especially
near Salisbury, where the waters were out, and for some hours no boat
was to be found to ferry us across. However, at length, by God's kind
providence, we got over, and as you see, good masters, I have arrived
sound in health and limb."
"Truly you have reason to be thankful," observed Mr Willoughby; "for
it is a long time since I made a journey to London, and, of my own free
will, I will never again undertake it."
"And what news do you bring from the city?" asked the Colonel. "How
go matters at Court?"
"About the Court I know but little, except such as appears in the
broad-sheet and scraps of information which reach the city. The Dukes
of York and Monmouth are still at daggers drawn, the King now
favouring one, now the other, though Monmouth by his affable and
condescending manners wins the hearts of many of the people, while
the Earl of Shaftesbury is ever plotting and contriving how he may
keep the power in his own hands, and play one against the other. The
Duke of Monmouth, who was, as you may have heard, banished, has
returned without the King's permission, and, as he refuses again to quit
the kingdom, has been stripped of his various offices; but a short time

ago appeared a tract in which the Duke is clearly pointed out as the
fittest person, from his courage, quality, and conduct, to become the
ruler of these realms. It is remarked that he who has the worst title will
make the best King. There is a story current of the existence of a black
box in which is deposited the marriage-contract between the King and
the Duke's mother, but some doubt, not without reason, whether such a
black box exists, much more the contents spoken of. Be that as it may,
many persons speak boldly of the Duke of Monmouth some day
becoming King of England."
"What is your opinion, Master Handscombe?" asked the Colonel.
"I have merely reported what is said," answered the merchant. "My
business is in buying and selling, and I have no wish to enter into
political affairs."
"Well answered, sir; but I would have it clearly understood that I hope
none of those in whom I have an interest will ever draw sword or aid by
tongue or otherwise in supporting any but the rightful and legitimate
Sovereign of these realms. Though James has become a Papist, he will
not interfere with the rights and privileges of his Protestant subjects."
"On that point there exist adverse and strong opinions," answered
Master Handscombe. "A Roman in power and a Roman out of power
are two very different species of animals. The one rules it like the
lordly lion, and strikes down with his powerful paw all opponents; the
other creeps forward gently and noiselessly like the cat,--not the less
resolved, however, to destroy his prey."
"You would then rather see the Duke of Monmouth than the Duke of
York king of England?" said the Colonel.
"No, good sir, I said not so," answered Mr Handscombe. "I am merely
repeating at your desire what people do say in the city, and in the towns
also through which I passed."
While they were speaking, Tobias Platt had placed a smoking hot dish
before the hungry traveller,