CHAPTER XXII

CEDRIC IN THE TOILS

In the French colony where lay the valuable lands of Sir John Penwick, there was a lively insurrection of the English.  The Papist party, who had built and lived upon the property for the past ten years, was strong, having among the Protestants lively adherents who were Catholics at heart and wore the Protestant cloak that they might the better spy upon them.  The English, being so much the weaker, had been lead by a few men who were bought by the Catholics.  La Fosse had had to do with these few men only, when he had made a show of settling Sir John’s affairs.  These men had heretofore held the secret of the hostage; but recent events had stirred them to strife and they had fallen at variance over the spoil.  The secret had been let out.  The English rose in arms when the French suggested that such a small colonial matter should be settled among themselves; ’twas a shame to bother the Crown.

Upon the sudden outburst, Sir John made his escape from prison.  The French said he had been stolen by the English and immediate reparation must be made; his person or a ransom must be had.  Or, if they would give up all claim to the property and child,—­the latter being produced at once—­the French were willing to call the matter settled.  Indeed, this was all they wished, and if Sir John could be conveniently made away with forever, and it proven that the English had accomplished it, they would certainly be entitled to his hereditaments.

Buckingham held the key to the situation.  He saw a way to pay a ransom for Sir John; also a way to gain enough gold from the enterprise to make himself independent for life.  He found Sir John in London, but not until after Cantemir had gained the former’s confidence.  Buckingham took alarm at Cantemir’s knowledge and insisted upon Sir John removing to a place of greater seclusion; it being feared that he would be murdered.

Sir John was fond of the Duke, and beside taking his advice, he laid bare his heart and told him of his great distress over Katherine.  Cantemir had said that she was being held dishonourably by the old lord’s son, who was profligate and only sought her favour without marriage.

Buckingham assured him to the contrary, and made him acquainted with the true circumstances; not failing to tell him of Mistress Penwick’s unsettled disposition; her ambitions, and intractable nature; that she was refractory and vexatious; petulant and forever thwarting Lord Cedric’s advances.

The Duke concluded this friendly visit by insinuating strongly—­that Sir John might infer—­that the friendship which amounted to nothing less than love, between himself and Lord Cedric, would alone—­barring the question of a beautiful daughter—­suffice to bring the latter to a full appreciation of Sir John’s case.  And if a ransom was decided upon, as being the surest means for his immediate safety, my Lord Cedric would pay and not feel its loss.