Part 17 (1/2)
In less than half an hour Dierich Brower and four constables entered the hosier's house, and demanded young Gerard of the panic-stricken Catherine.
”Alas! what has he done now?” cried she: ”that boy will break my heart.”
”Nay, dame, but a trick of youth,” said Dierich. ”He hath but made off with certain skins of parchment, in a frolic doubtless; but the burgomaster is answerable to the burgh for their safe keeping, so he is in care about them: as for the youth, he will doubtless be quit for a reprimand.”
This smooth speech completely imposed on Catherine: but her daughter was more suspicious, and that suspicion was strengthened by the disproportionate anger and disappointment Dierich showed the moment he learned Gerard was not at home, had not been at home that night.
”Come away then,” said he roughly. ”We are wasting time.” He added, vehemently, ”I'll find him if he is above ground.”
Affection sharpens the wits, and often it has made an innocent person more than a match for the wily. As Dierich was going out, Kate made him a signal she would speak with him privately. He bade his men go on, and waited outside the door. She joined him.
”Hus.h.!.+” said she, ”my mother knows not. Gerard has left Tergou.”
”How?”
”I saw him last night.”
”Ay? Where?” cried Dierich, eagerly.
”At the foot of the haunted tower.”
”How did he get the rope?”
”I know not; but this I know; my brother Gerard bade me there farewell, and he is many leagues from Tergou ere this. The town you know, was always unworthy of him, and, when it imprisoned him, he vowed never to set foot in it again. Let the burgomaster be content, then. He has imprisoned him, and he has driven him from his birthplace and from his native land. What need now to rob him and us of our good name?”
This might at another moment have struck Dierich as good sense; but he was too mortified at this escape of Gerard and the loss of a hundred crowns.
”What need had he to steal?” retorted he, bitterly.
”Gerard stole not the trash; he but _took_ it to spite the burgomaster who stole his liberty; but he shall answer to the duke for it, he shall.
As for these skins of parchment you keep such a coil about, look in the nearest brook, or stye, and 'tis odds but you find them.”
”Think ye so, mistress?--think ye so?” And Dierich's eyes flashed.
”Mayhap you know 'tis so.”
”This I know, that Gerard is too good to steal, and too wise to load himself with rubbish, going a journey.”
”Give you good day, then,” said Dierich, sharply. ”The sheepskin you scorn, I value more than the skin of any be in Tergou.”
And he went off hastily on a false scent.
Kate returned into the house and drew Giles aside.
”Giles, my heart misgives me; breathe not to a soul what I say to you. I have told Dirk Brower that Gerard is out of Holland: but much I doubt he is not a league from Tergou.”
”Why, where is he, then?”
”Where should he be, but with her he loves? But if so, he must not loiter. These be deep and dark and wicked men that seek him. Giles, I see that in Dirk Brower's eye makes me tremble. Oh! why cannot I fly to Sevenbergen, and bid him away? Why am I not l.u.s.ty and active like other girls? G.o.d forgive me for fretting at His will: but I never felt till now what it is to be lame and weak and useless. But you are strong, dear Giles,” added she coaxingly, ”you are very strong.”