The Children of the New Forest | Page 8

not pay her the respect that she calculates
upon. Go up, Agatha, and say I wish to speak with her."
"No, not I; I must be off, for it is dark already."
"And where are you going, then?"
"To Gossip Allwood's. It's a good mile, and I have to carry my things."
"Well, Agatha, if you'll take me up to the old lady, I'll carry your things
for you."
Agatha consented, and as soon as she had taken up the lamp, for it was
now quite dark, Jacob was once more introduced.
"I wish, madam," said Jacob, "you would be persuaded to leave the
house for this night."
"Jacob Armitage, leave this house I will not, if it were filled with
troopers; I have said so."
"But, madam--"
"No more, sir; you are too forward," replied the old lady, haughtily.
"But, madam--"
"Leave my presence, Jacob Armitage, and never appear again. Quit the
room, and send Agatha here."
"She has left, madam, and so has the cook, and Martha went away
behind Benjamin; when I leave, you will be alone."

"They have dared to leave?"
"They dared not stay, madam."
"Leave me, Jacob Armitage, and shut the door when you go out." Jacob
still hesitated. "Obey me instantly," said the old lady; and the forester,
finding all remonstrance useless, went out, and obeyed her last
commands by shutting the door after him.
Jacob found Agatha and the other maid in the court-yard; he took up
their packages, and, as he promised, accompanied them to Gossip
Allwood, who kept a small ale-house about a mile distant.
"But, mercy on us! what will become of the children?" said Agatha, as
they walked along, her fears for herself having up to this time made her
utterly forgetful of them. "Poor things! and Martha has left them."
"Yes, indeed; what will become of the dear babes?" said the cook, half
crying.
Now Jacob, knowing that the children of such a Malignant as Colonel
Beverley would have sorry treatment if discovered, and knowing also
that women were not always to be trusted, determined not to tell them
how they were disposed of. He therefore replied,
"Who would hurt such young children as those? No, no, they are safe
enough; even the troopers would protect them."
"I should hope so," replied Agatha.
"You may be sure of that; no man would hurt babies," replied Jacob.
"The troopers will take them with them to Lymington, I suppose. I've
no fear for them; it's the proud old lady whom they will be uncivil to."
The conversation here ended, and in due time they arrived at the inn.
Jacob had just put the bundles down on the table, when the clattering of
horses' hoofs was heard. Shortly afterward, the troopers pulled their
horses up at the door, and dismounted. Jacob recognized the party he

had met in the forest, and among them Southwold. The troopers called
for ale, and remained some time in the house, talking and laughing with
the women, especially Agatha, who was a very good- looking girl.
Jacob would have retreated quietly, but he found a sentinel posted at
the door to prevent the egress of any person. He reseated himself, and
while he was listening to the conversation of the troopers he was
recognized by Southwold, who accosted him. Jacob did not pretend not
to know him, as it would have been useless; and Southwold put many
questions to him as to who were resident at Arnwood. Jacob replied
that the children were there, and a few servants, and he was about to
mention Miss Judith Villiers, when a thought struck him--he might
save the old lady.
"You are going to Arnwood, I know," said Jacob, "and I have heard
who you are in search of. Well, Southwold, I'll give you a hint. I may
be wrong; but if you should fall in with an old lady or something like
one when you go to Arnwood, mount her on your crupper and away
with her to Lymington as fast as you can ride. You understand me?"
Southwold nodded significantly, and squeezed Jacob's hand.
"One word, Jacob Armitage; if I succeed in the capture by your means,
it is but fair that you should have something for your hint. Where can I
find you the day after to-morrow?"
"I am leaving the country this night, and I must go. I am in trouble,
that's the fact; when all is blown over, I will find you out. Don't speak
to me any more just now." Southwold again squeezed Jacob's hand, and
left him. Shortly afterward the order was given to mount, and the
troopers set off.
Armitage followed slowly and unobserved. They arrive at the mansion
and surrounded it. Shortly afterward he perceived the glare of torches,
and in