GRISLY GRISELL, or THE LAIDLY LADY OF WHITBURN: A TALE OF THE WARS
OF THE ROSES




CHAPTER I--AN EXPLOSION



It was a great pity, so it was, this villanous saltpetre should be
digg'd out of the bowels of the harmless earth.

SHAKESPEARE King Henry IV., Part I.

A terrible shriek rang through the great Manor-house of Amesbury. It
was preceded by a loud explosion, and there was agony as well as
terror in the cry. Then followed more shrieks and screams, some of
pain, some of fright, others of anger and recrimination. Every one
in the house ran together to the spot whence the cries proceeded,
namely, the lower court, where the armourer and blacksmith had their
workshops.

There was a group of children, the young people who were confided to
the great Earl Richard and Countess Alice of Salisbury for education
and training. Boys and girls were alike there, some of the latter
crying and sobbing, others mingling with the lads in the hot dispute
as to "who did it."

By the time the gentle but stately Countess had reached the place,