How my heart bounded within me as my wrists were released from the iron gripe of the shackles!The first step toward freedom was made--my self-reliance returned,and I felt assured of success.
'Now for the weapon,'said I.
'I fear me,you will find it rather clumsy,'said he;'but if well handled,it will do as well as the best Toledo.
It is the only thing I could get,but I
sharpened it myself;it has an edge like a skean.'
He placed in my hand the steel head of a halberd.Grasping it firmly,I found that it made by no means a bad weapon in point of convenience;for it felt in the hand like a heavy dagger,the portion which formed the blade or point being crossed nearly at the lower extremity by a small bar of metal,at one side shaped into the form of an axe,and at the other into that of a hook.These two transverse appendages being muffled by the folds of my cravat,which I removed for the purpose,formed a perfect guard or hilt,and the lower extremity formed like a tube,in which the pike-handle had been inserted,afforded ample space for the grasp of my hand;the point had been made as sharp as a needle,and the metal he assured me was good.
Thus equipped he left me,having observed,'The captain sent me to bring you to your senses,and give you some water that he might find you proper for his visit.Here is the pitcher;I think I have revived you sufficiently for the captain's purpose.'
With a low savage laugh he left me to my reflections.
Having examined and adjusted the weapon,I carefully bound the ends of the cravat,with which I had secured the cross part of the spear-head,firmly round my wrist,so that in case of a struggle it might not easily be forced from my hand;and having made these precautionary dispositions,I sat down upon the ground with my back against the wall,and my hands together under my coat,awaiting my visitor.
The time wore slowly on;the dusk became dimmer and dimmer,until it nearly bordered on total darkness.
'How's this?'said I,inwardly;
'Captain Oliver,you said I should not see the moon rise to-night.Methinks you are somewhat tardy in fulfilling your prophecy.'
As I made this reflection,a noise at the outer door announced the entrance of a visitant.I knew that the decisive moment was come,and letting my head sink upon my breast,and assuring myself that my hands were concealed,I waited,in the at-titude of deep dejection,the approach of my foe and betrayer.
As I had expected,Captain Oliver entered the room where I lay.He was equipped for instant duty,as far as the imperfect twilight would allow me to see;the long sword clanked upon the floor as he made his way through the lobbies which led to my place of confinement;his ample military cloak hung upon his arm;his cocked hat was upon his head,and in all points he was prepared for the road.
This tallied exactly with what my strange informant had told me.
I felt my heart swell and my breath come thick as the awful moment which was to witness the death-struggle of one or other of us approached.
Captain Oliver stood within a yard or two of the place where I sat,or rather lay;and folding his arms,he remained silent for a minute or two,as if arranging in his mind how he should address me.
'Hardress Fitzgerald,'he began at length,'are you awake?Stand up,if you desire to hear of matters nearly touching your life or death.Get up,I say.'
I arose doggedly,and affecting the awkward movements of one whose hands were bound,'Well,'said I,'what would you of me?
Is it not enough that I am thus imprisoned without a cause,and about,as I suspect,to suffer a most unjust and violent sentence,but must I also be disturbed during the few moments left me for reflection and repentance by the presence of my persecutor?
What do you want of me?'
'As to your punishment,sir,'said he,'your own deserts have no doubt sug-gested the likelihood of it to your mind;
but I now am with you to let you know that whatever mitigation of your sentence you may look for,must be earned by your compliance with my orders.You must frankly and fully explain the contents of the packet which you endeavoured this day to destroy;and further,you must tell all that you know of the designs of the popish rebels.'
'And if I do this I am to expect a mitigation of my punishment--is it not so?'
Oliver bowed.
'And what IS this mitigation to be?
On the honour of a soldier,what is it to be?'inquired I.
'When you have made the disclosure required,'he replied,'you shall hear.'Tis then time to talk of indulgences.'
'Methinks it would then be too late,'
answered I.'But a chance is a chance,and a drowning man will catch at a straw.
You are an honourable man,Captain Oliver.
I must depend,I suppose,on your good faith.Well,sir,before I make the desired communication I have one question more to put.What is to befall me in case that I,remembering the honour of a soldier and a gentleman,reject your infamous terms,scorn your mitigations,and defy your utmost power?'
'In that case,'replied he,coolly,'before half an hour you shall be a corpse.'
'Then God have mercy on your soul!'
said I;and springing forward,I dashed the weapon which I held at his throat.
I missed my aim,but struck him full in the mouth with such force that most of his front teeth were dislodged,and the point of the spear-head passed out under his jaw,at the ear.
My onset was so sudden and unexpected that he reeled back to the wall,and did not recover his equilibrium in time to prevent my dealing a second blow,which Idid with my whole force.The point unfortunately struck the cuirass,near the neck,and glancing aside it inflicted but a flesh wound,tearing the skin and tendons along the throat.