The Vagabond Clown by Edward Marston Page B

be sure that no threadbare clown will try to displace me.’
    ‘You will only be in the way, man.’
    ‘That’s my intention, Lawrence.’
    ‘Do not be so perverse,’ said Hoode, bringing his donkey alongside the cart. ‘Why give yourself further grief? You’ll get no pleasure from what you see, only the anguish of hearing another being applauded in your stead.’
    ‘You penned those roles for me, Edmund. I want to protect my property.’
    ‘It would be more sensible to protect your injured leg.’
    ‘My mind is made up.’
    Hoode and Firethorn tried to persuade him of the folly of his decision but he was adamant. As a leading sharer with the troupe, Gill had rights that he was not prepared to cede to anyone. When the argument reached its peak, it was Mussett who ran across to join in. Alone of those present, he offered encouragement.
    ‘Welcome, Barnaby,’ he said. ‘Travel beside me in my wagon.’
    ‘Anywhere but that!’ snapped Gill.
    ‘But we could discuss the roles I have to play.’
    ‘Never!’
    ‘I could explain to you how I’ll outshine you in each and every one.’
    ‘Keep away from me, Giddy.’
    ‘Would you not like to have me as your nurse?’
    ‘I’d sooner eat your night soil!’
    Mussett cackled. ‘A herbal remedy that cures all ills, I do assure you.’
    Nicholas intervened to separate the two men, sending Mussett back to the first wagon then trying his best to make Gill reconsider his decision. It was all to no avail. The company was forced to accept an additional member on its tour. With the utmost care, Gill was carried across to the last of the wagons with his baggage and made as comfortable as was possible. He sat there with a grim smile on his face. Firethorn had profound misgivings. He turned to Nicholas.
    ‘I spy danger ahead,’ he confided, rolling his eyes. ‘There is only one thing worse than having no clown.’
    ‘I know,’ said Nicholas. ‘Having
two
of them.’

Chapter Five
    Progress was slow on the first stage of the journey south. Driving the first of the wagons, Nicholas Bracewell set the pace, making sure that the horses were not pushed too far or too fast as they hauled their heavy loads over uneven roads. There were frequent stops to rest and water the animals, and to allow the travellers to take refreshment or relieve themselves. Moods varied considerably in the three wagons. Thanks to the presence of Giddy Mussett, the occupants of the first were in a state of almost continuous delight. George and the four apprentices, in particular, laughed at everything he said or did. Nicholas was amused by some of the comments he heard over his shoulder but he had not forgiven Mussett for delaying their departure and giving them all an unnecessary fright. Had they left at the appointed hour, Nicholas reflected, they might have avoided the embarrassment of having to include Barnaby Gill in their number.
    Rowland Carr was in charge of the second wagon. As well as much of their baggage, it also contained several of the actors. Carr was a sharer with the troupe, a slim, sharp-featured man in his early forties with a reputation for being dependable. While he would never be capable of stealing a scene on stage, he could always be relied upon to offer a sterling performance in a supporting role. Like the others around him, Carr was a married man who was sad to part with his wife and children, fearful that they might not manage easily without him. Owen Elias rode beside the wagon and tried to cheer his fellows with humorous comments but a mood of quiet sorrow prevailed. They were already missing the joys of family life.
    It was in the third wagon that Barnaby Gill held court, stretched out in the middle of the remaining actors and pouring scorn on the hated rival who had replaced him. His remarks were a compound of envy, malice and sheer disgust. They did nothing to lighten the atmosphere in the wagon. Lawrence Firethorn brought his stallion alongside and attempted once more to