TREACHERY at Porthpenny

Eliza had no idea of her true love's fate — but now others were in danger too

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Friday 20 July 1662 Foot-weary and very hungry, Clemo and Henry crested the headland at Porthpenny. At just that moment, a thunderous creaking split the night air.

A ship had crunched into the rocks, lurching and groaning as the waves crashed all around. Through the darkness, the lads saw the crouched figures of men edging like beetles across the rocks towards the vessel.

The boys sprinted towards the scene but stopped short.

Over the sound of crashing waves, they could both hear James Pascoe pleading with John Tallack for clemency — and Tallack’s menacing retort.

‘Surely he won't kill the sailors?’ whispered Clemo.

‘I don’t know,’ said Henry. ‘But I'm not risking my life again.’

They both knew better than to cross Tallack and his men.

‘Someone's got to stop this!’ said Clemo. ‘Someone more powerful than Tallack.’

‘Lord Tredemon,’ said Henry.

‘That's it! We'll tell him what Tallack is up to and he'll soon stop this wickedness.’

With that — like rabbits unwittingly leaping into a fox’s den — the two boys set out for Tredemon House.

***

The lads arrived to see a golden glow at a downstairs window — Lord Tredemon was in his study.

Clemo rapped the iron knocker, unleashing an unholy barking from Tredemon's hound.

His Lordship opened the door, restraining the growling dog by the collar. When he saw Clemo and Henry, his face drained of colour... the stolen boys he’d thought dead by now.

‘My Lord,’ faltered Clemo.

“'Tis I, Clemo Tucker and Henry Mullens, from Porthpenny. We escaped the pirates.’

‘I know who you are,’ said Tredemon, hushing the hound. ‘Come into my study.’ He glanced up the stairs to where a candle had been lit. Then he called into the void, ‘Nothing to worry about!’