The Star-Chamber, Volume 1 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 259 pages of information about The Star-Chamber, Volume 1.

The Star-Chamber, Volume 1 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 259 pages of information about The Star-Chamber, Volume 1.

But John Wolfe still lingered.  “If some of my apprentices were only here,” he said, “and especially that riotous rogue, Dick Taverner, something might be done to help you effectually.—­Ha! what is that uproar?” as a tumultuous noise, mixed with the cries of “Clubs!—­Clubs!” was heard without, coming from the direction of the wharf.  “As I live! the ’prentices are out, and engaged in some mischievous work, and it will be strange if Dick Taverner be not among them.  I will see what they are about.”  And as he spoke he hurried to the oriel window which looked out upon the wharf, exclaiming—­“Ay, ay,—­’t is as I thought.  Dick is among them, and at their head.  ’Fore heaven! they are attacking those ruffianly braggarts from Whitefriars, and are laying about them lustily with their cudgels.  Ha! what is this I see?  The Alsatians and the myrmidons are routed, and the brave lads have captured Sir Francis Mitchell.  What are they about to do with him?  I must go forth and see.”

His purpose, however, was prevented by a sudden movement on the part of Sir Giles and his attendants.  They came in the direction of Jocelyn Mounchensey, with the evident intention of seizing the young man.  Jocelyn instantly sprang to his feet, drew his sword, and put himself in a posture of defence.  The myrmidons prepared to beat down the young man’s blade with their halberds, and secure him, when Jocelyn’s cloak was plucked from behind, and he heard Madame Bonaventure’s voice exclaim—­“Come this way!—­follow me instantly!”

Thus enjoined, he dashed through the door, which was instantly fastened, as soon as he had made good his retreat.

CHAPTER XII.

The Arrest and the Rescue.

Lupo Vulp had endeavoured to dissuade Sir Giles from putting his design of arresting Jocelyn into immediate execution; alleging the great risk he would incur, as well from the resolute character of the young man himself, who was certain to offer determined resistance, as from the temper of the company, which, being decidedly adverse to any such step, might occasion a disturbance that would probably result in the prisoner’s rescue.

“In any case, Sir Giles,” said the wily scrivener, “let me counsel you to tarry till the greater part of the guests be gone, and the assemblage outside dispersed; for I noted many turbulent ’prentices among the mob, who are sure to be troublesome.”

“Since the young man shows no present disposition to quit the house,” Sir Giles replied, looking askance at Jocelyn, who just then had moved to another part of the room with Madame Bonaventure, “there is no urgency; and it may be prudent to pause a few moments, as you suggest, good Lupo.  But I will not suffer him to depart.  I perceive, from her gestures and glances, that our tricksy hostess is plotting some scheme with him.  Plot away, fair mistress; you must have more cunning than I give you credit

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The Star-Chamber, Volume 1 from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.