Category: Historical Novels

The Black Box: A Tale of Monmouth's Rebellion

I. Concerning "A Certain Person" II. The Secret of the Black Box III. Up a Tree IV. Three Ships V. The Man with the King's Evil VI. "Too Late" VII. The Plotters VIII. A Fight for Life IX. The Shadow of Death X. I Make a Solemn Vow XI. I Live and Learn XII. How I was Saved from...

Chapters

8. Part 8

"Fane!" muttered Coram, with a thoughtful stroking of his beard. "Fane! That sounds familiar. Where did I hear it, now? Ah, I have it! 'Twas yesternight, as I kept guard in yond...

10. Part 10

At first there was a look of mockery, if not of pity, on his face, but when he found how well I knew my business this soon changed to one of crafty eagerness. He thought me wort...

11. Part 11

We had gone thus a mile or so, and I was vaguely thinking that, in spite of all, 'twas fine to be alive, when suddenly the sound of other horse-feet at a gallop reached me from...

12. Part 12

This record deals not mainly with the bold, ill-starred designs of Monmouth, but rather with the lesser doings of one Michael Fane; therefore I will not dwell upon the marchings...

3. Part 3

"Ah, I have thought of that. But where would be the use? The King, and those around him, must know far more of this than I. Besides, rightly to warn, the letter must be shown, a...

6. Part 6

"Nay, not so quick, friend Ferguson," quoth Ammon. "Not till the price is paid, that is. Mayst see them if you will, but nothing more. Look you, here they are!"

7. Part 7

"Yes, yes," I put in eagerly; "pray, tell me all about it"--for indeed it seemed astonishing that Tubal Ammon had not finished me while yet he had the power to do so.

2. Part 2

"But how and where, then, shall I fight?" I asked. "Since Monmouth cut the Covenanters up at Bothwell Brig there hath been naught worth the name of fighting; and although 'tis s...

9. Part 9

An angry growl ran through the room, and things looked ugly; but at that moment a man I knew leaned over Ferguson and whispered quickly in his ear. The chaplain nodded eagerly;...

5. Part 5

'Twas now dusk. Far off I heard the tumult of the town, rising and falling in a ceaseless hum; but here all seemed silent and deserted. Yet, even so, it was not long before I pr...

4. Part 4

"Why, what think you now?" says Rockett, casting a swift glance at the enquiring faces gathered round him. "Well, I'll tell 'ee. Three fine pretty gentlemen, wi' swords and pist...

1. Part 1

I. Concerning "A Certain Person" II. The Secret of the Black Box III. Up a Tree IV. Three Ships V. The Man with the King's Evil VI. "Too Late" VII. The Plotters VIII. A Fight fo...

13. Part 13

I found all well at home, though Lyme itself was trembling with fear; as well it might, considering the active part which it had played in Monmouth's luckless venture. The littl...

14. Part 14

"Ah! so we flout and snarl unto the end, eh? Well, well, it matters not, for verily that mocking tongue of yours will soon be put to silence. Listen, Michael Fane! Ye die, and w...