Sylvia's Lovers - Page 173/290

Every one who was capable of understanding the state of feeling in

Monkshaven at this time must have been aware that at any moment an

explosion might take place; and probably there were those who had

judgment enough to be surprised that it did not take place sooner

than it did. For until February there were only occasional cries and

growls of rage, as the press-gang made their captures first here,

then there; often, apparently, tranquil for days, then heard of at

some distance along the coast, then carrying off a seaman from the

very heart of the town. They seemed afraid of provoking any general

hostility, such as that which had driven them from Shields, and

would have conciliated the inhabitants if they could; the officers

on the service and on board the three men-of-war coming often into

the town, spending largely, talking to all with cheery friendliness,

and making themselves very popular in such society as they could

obtain access to at the houses of the neighbouring magistrates or at

the rectory. But this, however agreeable, did not forward the object

the impress service had in view; and, accordingly, a more decided

step was taken at a time when, although there was no apparent

evidence as to the fact, the town was full of the Greenland mariners

coming quietly in to renew their yearly engagements, which, when

done, would legally entitle them to protection from impressment. One

night--it was on a Saturday, February 23rd, when there was a bitter

black frost, with a north-east wind sweeping through the streets,

and men and women were close shut in their houses--all were startled

in their household content and warmth by the sound of the fire-bell

busily swinging, and pealing out for help. The fire-bell was kept in

the market-house where High Street and Bridge Street met: every one

knew what it meant. Some dwelling, or maybe a boiling-house was on

fire, and neighbourly assistance was summoned with all speed, in a

town where no water was laid on, nor fire-engines kept in readiness.

Men snatched up their hats, and rushed out, wives following, some

with the readiest wraps they could lay hands on, with which to

clothe the over-hasty husbands, others from that mixture of dread

and curiosity which draws people to the scene of any disaster. Those

of the market people who were making the best of their way

homewards, having waited in the town till the early darkness

concealed their path, turned back at the sound of the ever-clanging

fire-bell, ringing out faster and faster as if the danger became

every instant more pressing.

As men ran against or alongside of each other, their breathless

question was ever, 'Where is it?' and no one could tell; so they

pressed onwards into the market-place, sure of obtaining the

information desired there, where the fire-bell kept calling out with

its furious metal tongue.