Part 31 (2/2)
The idea which had come into my head (and it was more for the sake of doing _something_ that I determined on it, than from any great hope I entertained of its proving of much avail) was to ride over to Hillingford, and consult Freddy Coleman on the subject. Perhaps his clear head and quick wit might enable him to devise some scheme by which, without betraying Harry's confidence, or bringing the slightest imputation on his honour, this duel might be prevented. What else could I do? It was quite clear to me that the note Harry had received was a challenge from Wilford, and that the gentleman waiting at the inn was some one whom he had prevailed upon to act as his second, probably Wentworth. Harry's first impulse had evidently been to come to me, and ask me to be his second; but, doubtless, guessing the distaste I should have to the office, and reflecting on the difficulties in which, if anything serious were to ensue, I might be involved, he had determined on asking Archer instead. Archer, by instantly setting off on horseback alone, had clearly agreed to his request, and was gone to make the necessary arrangements; and Harry had gladly accompanied Sir John, in order to be out of the way, and so avoid my questions and any attempts I might have made to induce him to alter his purpose. Were I to inform Sir John on his return, it would be an unpardonable breach of confidence towards Harry; were I to give notice to the authorities, so as to enable them to take measures for preventing the duel, it would always be said by Wilford that I did so with Harry's connivance, because he was afraid to meet him: thus my hands were tied in every way, and, as I said before, I could think of nothing better than to ride over and consult Coleman, whose powers of -205--getting out of a sc.r.a.pe I had seen pretty well tested in the affair of the bell-ringing. I therefore scrawled a hasty note to my mother, telling her that I was going to take a long ride, and she had better not wait dinner for me; and leaving a message for Oaklands with the servant who announced the horse, that I should see him in the evening, flung myself into the saddle, rode quietly till I was out of sight of the house, and then started at a gallop for Hillingford. Unwilling to meet any of the Coleman family, I left my horse at the inn, and, pulling my hat over my brows, to avoid, if possible, being recognised by their servant, rang the bell, and desired him to tell Mr. Frederic that a gentleman wanted to speak with him on particular business.
CHAPTER XXVI -- COMING EVENTS CAST THEIR SHADOWS BEFORE
”If you think your mystery in stratagem can bring this instru- ment of honour again into his native quarter, be magnanimous in the enterprise, and go on; I will grace the attempt for a worthy exploit if you speed well in it.”
”Now I see the bottom of your purpose.”
”You see it lawful then.”
”I love him, sir, Dearer than eyesight, s.p.a.ce and liberty, Beyond what can be valued rich or rare, No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honour; A love that makes breath poor, and speech unable--”
”Adieu! these foolish drops do somewhat drown my manly spirit.”
--_Shakspeare_.
”FREDDY, can I have half an hour's private conversation with you?” asked I, as soon as we had exchanged salutations.
”To be sure you can; but,” he added, catching a glimpse of the anxious expression of my face, ”there is nothing wrong, is there?”
I made a gesture indicative of silence, and he opened a door into a sort of lawyer's office, saying, in a low voice:--
”Come in here, we shall not be interrupted; the governor's in London, and the women are out walking”. ”So much the better,” replied I, ”for the business I am come upon is strictly private, and will not brook delay.” I then told him as concisely as possible the whole affair -206--from beginning to end; he listened attentively to my recital, merely asking a question now and then to elucidate any particular point he did not clearly understand. I fancy he made a gesture of surprise when I first mentioned Wilford's name, and when I had concluded, he asked,
”Wilford, you say, this man's name is? What is his Christian name?”
”Stephen.”
”And he's a young fellow?”
”About three or four and twenty.”
”And you want to prevent his being able to shoot Harry Oaklands at five o'clock to-morrow morning?”
”I do not know the hour, but I conclude the meeting will probably take place to-morrow morning. Wilford would not wish to remain in the neighbourhood longer than necessary, lest he should attract attention.”
Coleman mused for some minutes, and then muttering as though he were thinking aloud--
”It might be done, so; yes, that would do. I suppose,” he said, at length addressing me, ”if Master Wilford were taken into custody on a magistrate's warrant at half-past four a.m., that would suit your ideas very nicely? I can so arrange the matter that Wilford will never be able to trace the laying the information to our door.”
”But how can you avoid that?” inquired I.
”Why, if you must know,” replied Freddy, ”I am acquainted with a man who would give a hundred pounds any day to stop our friend Stephen from fighting a duel.”
”What, do you know Wilford then?” asked I.
”_Ray-ther_,” was the reply, accompanied by a very significant wink--”just a _very few_--I should say we're not entire strangers, though I have never enjoyed the honour of much personal intercourse with him; but I do not so deeply regret that, as, from your account, it seems rather a dangerous privilege.”
<script>