Part 16 (1/2)
”Hush!+” said he, ”or thou shalt be overheard”
This recalled ood care thereafter not to think aloud when in the presence of arded as mine enemies
The moment that Catesby saw Harleston check me he leaned over the Chancellor's shoulder and whispered so in his ear I know not what it was; but it s turned at once and eyedbut pleasant; for he clearly showed his displeasure at so look
”Another debt I owe thee, Master Catesby,” said I, taking good care, however, that I did not pronounce the words by other agents than my mind
So it was there decided that the two Churchether, and try to persuade the Queen to hand over the Duke of York to them In case this failed they were to inform her that Gloucester would have him taken from her by force
CHAPTER XV
MICHAEL AND CATESBY
Though Harleston and I were both anxious to go at once unto the Sanctuary, and see the girls, yet ht arouse suspicion e to be seen there by the Cardinal and the Bishop, persuadedday ”For,” said he, ”I do believe that fellow Catesby already suspects us of being in soht Methinks 'twas in reference to that he whispered to Hastings, and which caused Lord William to look on us so unpleasantly”
”I believe that thou art right,” I replied
We were sitting in my room when this conversation took place Just then a knock caht have been overheard, so I thought the best plan should be to open, without any show ofmy position:--”Come in!” I scarcely knohat I expected to see when the door should open; yet methinks I had not been surprised had it been either Lord Hastings himself, or a body of yeomen sent to arrest me
Remember,Stony Stratfordof this kind It ith a sigh of relief, therefore, that I did recognize er, which had so well fulfilled his mission The enormous fellow completely filled the door, as he stood upon the threshold, cap in hand, awaiting a further command ere he did enter
”Ah! Michael, it is thou”
”Divil anither,” he replied, withouta muscle
I smiled at his serious humour, and asked him to enter and close the door; for I knew fro to communicate
”And now, Michael, I must thank thee for the speedy way in which thou didst fulfil thy mission”
”Uh! yer honour, it's no thanks Oi desarve fer doin' moy dooty,” and he shi+fted from one foot to the other and struck his boot with his cap, as though iant strength he was at heart but a great boy
”But what is now thy business with ht that I can do for thee thou hast but to ask and it is done, Michael”
”No, yer honour, it is not that,” he replied ”Oi came but to till thee, sor, that thoine armour--which was rusted some--hath bin clained and is now ridy fer wear,” said he, quickly, as he eyed Harleston closely
”What in the devil's na about? Why, I have no armour that is rusted”
”No, not now, sor,” said he, with that same serene face When he had finished this, however, and saw Harleston's head thrown back, as , in an effort to refrain fro, Michael raised his eyebrows, and jerked his head in Frederick's direction
”Ah! so that is the difficulty,” said I, laughing ”'Tis my friend thou fearest Ah, Michael, I am proud of thy discretion,” I continued, as I walked over to where he stood, and slapped him on that shoulder which stood out like a block of iron draped with cloth And indeed one ht as well have struck a piece of steel as that shoulder with its shi+rt of h coarse jacket ”However, thou needst not fear to speak out boldly before Sir Frederick, as I have no secret that is unknown to him”
”In that case, sor, Oito Harleston; ”but in these toireat min, as will as the cohty hard to pick out the honest soul”
”Indeed thou art right, Michael, and it shall be well for thee to continue to trust but those that thou knowest full well to be true and honest men,” said my friend, which admired this frank admission of suspicion ”Thou art an honest fellow, and I like thee well; but be careful of this,” he continued,--”be sure that thou dost practise thine honesty with great caution Honesty, now-a-days, seems to be the shortest road to the block; unless thou art cautious enough to be honestly dishonest”
”Oi understand not thoy wourds,” said Michael, as he scratched his head, with a puzzled look; but for a moment only ”Uh!” said he, ”Oi think that Oi have a hould on what yer honour manes, and Oi'll profit by yer advice, sor”
”But come,” said I, ”What is it that thou wishest to tell me? For well do I know that story about uise”