The Prime Minister by William Henry Giles Kingston
he happens to have a secret enemy amongus, who might be tempted to turn traitor, how completely he would bewithin his power without risking the safety of the rest? No, no; wehave, doubtless, a good many fools among us, but not quite so great aone as you suppose."
"You are in a severe humour this evening, my friend."
"Have I not cause for it, when I have heard so much nonsense spoken, andour enterprise not advanced since the first day it was proposed? Itprovokes me: I shall lose my South American property before anything isaccomplished, I very clearly perceive, so I think of embarking forFrance to await the result."
Such was the style of conversation carried on in all directions roundLuis, so that he began to entertain hopes that the conspirators wouldabandon intentions which he considered, notwithstanding the assurancesof the prophet, to be both highly criminal, and dangerous in theextreme.
All were looking for the arrival of the Duke of Aveiro, who, having moreto gain by the destruction of the King, was the most active leader inthe conspiracy; but, after waiting a considerable time longer, some ofthe party expressed their impatience to depart, and the Duke came not atall.
The assembly at length broke up, Malagrida first performing a shortreligious ceremony at the altar, dismissing them with his blessing.
Before Luis took his departure with his young companion, he addressedthe Marquis. "Tell me," he said, "how can I aid you in the object forwhich I came here? How and where is Theresa?"
"Speak not of her, my friend," exclaimed the young husband, withvehemence. "I live but for revenge! Farewell! I ask you not to shareour dangers; but you will pardon what you look upon as a crime, when youknow the cause which has driven me to desperation."
Joze de Tavora took Luis's arm. "It is time to go," he said. "Followme closely, for the night is dark, and you know not the intricacies ofthe path. We will still trust to the river, though no one else ventureson it. The rest have departed in different ways and directions, and mylady mother passes the night at a house at no great distance, whither mybrother will conduct her."
On emerging into the open air, they found the night to have becomeexcessively dark, there being no moon, and a thin mist obscuring thebrightness of the stars; but they soon sufficiently recovered the use oftheir eyes, to be able to find their way among the ruins towards thelanding-place, where the boat was waiting. Not a breath of wind stirredthe silent night air, their footfalls alone being heard as theyproceeded through the ruined garden.
Just as they were about to step into the skiff, not having exchanged aword on their way, for fear any foe might be lurking in theneighbourhood, Joze de Tavora fancied he heard a shout in the distance:they listened attentively, but it was not repeated; and at length, beingpersuaded that it was but fancy, they took their seats in the stern ofthe boat, the crew pulling rapidly up the stream, which was now in theirfavour. So dark was the night, that they had much difficulty in seeingtheir way, and had they not kept close in with the banks, they wouldhave found it nearly impossible to steer a direct course.
Luis was silent; for, though unwilling to blame his young companion, hefelt that the latter had not acted towards him with openness and honour.Of this Joze de Tavora seemed aware, as he was the first to speak."Luis, I must crave pardon for what I have done; for I now see, when toolate, that I ought not to have led you blindfold into the society wehave just quitted, which seems not to your taste; but say, will youforgive me?"
He spoke in so deprecating a tone, that Luis could not resist hispetition; and, giving him his hand, in token of forgiveness, assured himthat he believed his motives, at all events, had been good.
After nearly an hour's row, they reached the spot where they embarked,and near which they found Pedro and the other servant waiting with theirhorses,--Joze de Tavora insisting on accompanying his friend to hislodgings. Thus so much time passed, that the first streaks of dawn werein the sky before the latter was seen to enter the gates of his father'sQuinta at Belem.
Volume 3, Chapter VIII.
We left that very respectable personage, Senhor Policarpio, entertainingtwo friends in the garden of the Duke of Aveiro's residence. As it grewdark, he invited them again into the house to partake of a supper he hadprepared for them. After the repast was finished, and he had plied hisguests well with wine, he opened an attack which he had been meditating.
"So the Marquis complains that he has been insulted by that low-bornvillain Teixeira, and that the King will give him no redress," he began."Now, that is what I call not acting in a kingly way; and I think yourmaster very ill-treated."
"Your observation is a just one, Senhor Policarpio," answered Manoel."And this is not the only instance in which he has been ill-treated. Heapplied to be created a duke the other day, and the King, without anyreason, refused his request, to the great indignation of theMarchioness, who had determined to enjoy the title."
"Ah! if the Marquis would but follow the advice of my master, he mighteasily be made a duke," said Senhor Policarpio; "but that he will notdo, talking instead about his loyalty, and all that sort of nonsense.Now listen, my friends. It strikes me that we might arrange theseaffairs ourselves, without consulting our masters till the work is done,when they will reward us accordingly. We are not likely to be madedukes and counts, but we are certain to get as many purses of gold as wewant, which are far better than all the titles in the world withoutthem. As we well know, there are certain plots and conspiracieshatching, which will, if not discovered, all end in smoke. Now, when Ihave an object in view in which I wish to succeed, I entrust it to noone more than is necessary. You feel assured that your master wouldreward you, if you were to punish this Teixeira for his insolence; and Iam ready to aid you, on condition that you speak to no one on thesubject, or it will be certain to fail. This is my plan:--Teixeiradrives out every night in his carriage (vain as he is of it) to someplace or other. I propose to watch for him, mounted on good horses,when, as he passes by, we will fire into his carriage, and cannot failto kill or wound him severely. We may then, favoured by the darkness,easily escape before any alarm is given, and you may then claim a rewardfrom your master. For me, it will be sufficient to know that I haveserved you; besides that, I owe him a debt of vengeance on my ownaccount."
The brains of the two servants being by this time considerably confusedby liquor, they willingly assented to Senhor Policarpio's proposal, nothaving sufficient judgment left to perceive that he had probably othermotives for the deed than their interests, or his own wish for revenge.
"Well, then, my friends, there is no moment like the present, when workis to be done," he continued. "I have notice that Teixeira will thisnight visit a certain house; and I propose to waylay him on his returnto the palace, and pay him his deserts. Are you agreed?"
"Agreed! agreed!" exclaimed both the men. "We are ready to do anythingso honourable a gentleman as yourself proposes."
"You flatter me, gentlemen, by your good opinion. We will not dream onthe work, then--this night it shall be done. I must tell you, anotherfriend of mine will join us; but do not speak to him, as he wishes notto be known. We will divide into two parties. You, Manoel, mustaccompany my friend; and you, Antonio, keep by my side; then, if thefirst shots do not take effect, the second ambush will be morefortunate. Come, gentlemen, we will prepare for our expedition. I havehorses in readiness at a stable in the neighbourhood; for I fullycounted on your assistance. Another glass to our success. Nerve yourarms for the deed, and it cannot fail!"
It was an intensely dark night, when three men, with masks on theirfaces, (for a guilty countenance would fain hide itself even from thesight of Heaven,) sallied forth from the Quinta of the Duke of Aveiro.They walked some way, when, stopping before the door of a low, solitarybuilding, the principal of the party applied a key to the lock, and, allentering, they found three steeds ready saddled. Without uttering aword, they led forth the horses, the last closing the door; and,mounting, they rode back in the direction they had come. They had notproceeded far wh
en they encountered a fourth horseman, dressedcompletely in black, with a black mask, and a horse of the same hue.
"Who goes there?" said the principal of the three, in a low voice.
"A friend of religion," was the answer, in the same low tone.
"'Tis well," said the first speaker. "This is the friend I expected,"he continued, turning to one of his companions. "Do you, Manoel,accompany him. Fire, when he fires, and keep close to his side. Wewill all again meet at the stables, where we will leave our horses, andreturn on foot to the Quinta. Onward, my friends, to our work."
The stranger, accompanied by him who was addressed as Manoel, nowseparated from the other two, both parties, however, proceeding bydifferent routes toward the upper part of Lisbon, to the neighbourhoodof a house called
"You are in a severe humour this evening, my friend."
"Have I not cause for it, when I have heard so much nonsense spoken, andour enterprise not advanced since the first day it was proposed? Itprovokes me: I shall lose my South American property before anything isaccomplished, I very clearly perceive, so I think of embarking forFrance to await the result."
Such was the style of conversation carried on in all directions roundLuis, so that he began to entertain hopes that the conspirators wouldabandon intentions which he considered, notwithstanding the assurancesof the prophet, to be both highly criminal, and dangerous in theextreme.
All were looking for the arrival of the Duke of Aveiro, who, having moreto gain by the destruction of the King, was the most active leader inthe conspiracy; but, after waiting a considerable time longer, some ofthe party expressed their impatience to depart, and the Duke came not atall.
The assembly at length broke up, Malagrida first performing a shortreligious ceremony at the altar, dismissing them with his blessing.
Before Luis took his departure with his young companion, he addressedthe Marquis. "Tell me," he said, "how can I aid you in the object forwhich I came here? How and where is Theresa?"
"Speak not of her, my friend," exclaimed the young husband, withvehemence. "I live but for revenge! Farewell! I ask you not to shareour dangers; but you will pardon what you look upon as a crime, when youknow the cause which has driven me to desperation."
Joze de Tavora took Luis's arm. "It is time to go," he said. "Followme closely, for the night is dark, and you know not the intricacies ofthe path. We will still trust to the river, though no one else ventureson it. The rest have departed in different ways and directions, and mylady mother passes the night at a house at no great distance, whither mybrother will conduct her."
On emerging into the open air, they found the night to have becomeexcessively dark, there being no moon, and a thin mist obscuring thebrightness of the stars; but they soon sufficiently recovered the use oftheir eyes, to be able to find their way among the ruins towards thelanding-place, where the boat was waiting. Not a breath of wind stirredthe silent night air, their footfalls alone being heard as theyproceeded through the ruined garden.
Just as they were about to step into the skiff, not having exchanged aword on their way, for fear any foe might be lurking in theneighbourhood, Joze de Tavora fancied he heard a shout in the distance:they listened attentively, but it was not repeated; and at length, beingpersuaded that it was but fancy, they took their seats in the stern ofthe boat, the crew pulling rapidly up the stream, which was now in theirfavour. So dark was the night, that they had much difficulty in seeingtheir way, and had they not kept close in with the banks, they wouldhave found it nearly impossible to steer a direct course.
Luis was silent; for, though unwilling to blame his young companion, hefelt that the latter had not acted towards him with openness and honour.Of this Joze de Tavora seemed aware, as he was the first to speak."Luis, I must crave pardon for what I have done; for I now see, when toolate, that I ought not to have led you blindfold into the society wehave just quitted, which seems not to your taste; but say, will youforgive me?"
He spoke in so deprecating a tone, that Luis could not resist hispetition; and, giving him his hand, in token of forgiveness, assured himthat he believed his motives, at all events, had been good.
After nearly an hour's row, they reached the spot where they embarked,and near which they found Pedro and the other servant waiting with theirhorses,--Joze de Tavora insisting on accompanying his friend to hislodgings. Thus so much time passed, that the first streaks of dawn werein the sky before the latter was seen to enter the gates of his father'sQuinta at Belem.
Volume 3, Chapter VIII.
We left that very respectable personage, Senhor Policarpio, entertainingtwo friends in the garden of the Duke of Aveiro's residence. As it grewdark, he invited them again into the house to partake of a supper he hadprepared for them. After the repast was finished, and he had plied hisguests well with wine, he opened an attack which he had been meditating.
"So the Marquis complains that he has been insulted by that low-bornvillain Teixeira, and that the King will give him no redress," he began."Now, that is what I call not acting in a kingly way; and I think yourmaster very ill-treated."
"Your observation is a just one, Senhor Policarpio," answered Manoel."And this is not the only instance in which he has been ill-treated. Heapplied to be created a duke the other day, and the King, without anyreason, refused his request, to the great indignation of theMarchioness, who had determined to enjoy the title."
"Ah! if the Marquis would but follow the advice of my master, he mighteasily be made a duke," said Senhor Policarpio; "but that he will notdo, talking instead about his loyalty, and all that sort of nonsense.Now listen, my friends. It strikes me that we might arrange theseaffairs ourselves, without consulting our masters till the work is done,when they will reward us accordingly. We are not likely to be madedukes and counts, but we are certain to get as many purses of gold as wewant, which are far better than all the titles in the world withoutthem. As we well know, there are certain plots and conspiracieshatching, which will, if not discovered, all end in smoke. Now, when Ihave an object in view in which I wish to succeed, I entrust it to noone more than is necessary. You feel assured that your master wouldreward you, if you were to punish this Teixeira for his insolence; and Iam ready to aid you, on condition that you speak to no one on thesubject, or it will be certain to fail. This is my plan:--Teixeiradrives out every night in his carriage (vain as he is of it) to someplace or other. I propose to watch for him, mounted on good horses,when, as he passes by, we will fire into his carriage, and cannot failto kill or wound him severely. We may then, favoured by the darkness,easily escape before any alarm is given, and you may then claim a rewardfrom your master. For me, it will be sufficient to know that I haveserved you; besides that, I owe him a debt of vengeance on my ownaccount."
The brains of the two servants being by this time considerably confusedby liquor, they willingly assented to Senhor Policarpio's proposal, nothaving sufficient judgment left to perceive that he had probably othermotives for the deed than their interests, or his own wish for revenge.
"Well, then, my friends, there is no moment like the present, when workis to be done," he continued. "I have notice that Teixeira will thisnight visit a certain house; and I propose to waylay him on his returnto the palace, and pay him his deserts. Are you agreed?"
"Agreed! agreed!" exclaimed both the men. "We are ready to do anythingso honourable a gentleman as yourself proposes."
"You flatter me, gentlemen, by your good opinion. We will not dream onthe work, then--this night it shall be done. I must tell you, anotherfriend of mine will join us; but do not speak to him, as he wishes notto be known. We will divide into two parties. You, Manoel, mustaccompany my friend; and you, Antonio, keep by my side; then, if thefirst shots do not take effect, the second ambush will be morefortunate. Come, gentlemen, we will prepare for our expedition. I havehorses in readiness at a stable in the neighbourhood; for I fullycounted on your assistance. Another glass to our success. Nerve yourarms for the deed, and it cannot fail!"
It was an intensely dark night, when three men, with masks on theirfaces, (for a guilty countenance would fain hide itself even from thesight of Heaven,) sallied forth from the Quinta of the Duke of Aveiro.They walked some way, when, stopping before the door of a low, solitarybuilding, the principal of the party applied a key to the lock, and, allentering, they found three steeds ready saddled. Without uttering aword, they led forth the horses, the last closing the door; and,mounting, they rode back in the direction they had come. They had notproceeded far wh
"Who goes there?" said the principal of the three, in a low voice.
"A friend of religion," was the answer, in the same low tone.
"'Tis well," said the first speaker. "This is the friend I expected,"he continued, turning to one of his companions. "Do you, Manoel,accompany him. Fire, when he fires, and keep close to his side. Wewill all again meet at the stables, where we will leave our horses, andreturn on foot to the Quinta. Onward, my friends, to our work."
The stranger, accompanied by him who was addressed as Manoel, nowseparated from the other two, both parties, however, proceeding bydifferent routes toward the upper part of Lisbon, to the neighbourhoodof a house called