Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1847-06-03
NUMBER Al.

the day, but spashed from head 10 foot with mre
and clay Of twenty different hues, showing the speed
with which he had ridden, and the variety Of soils
which he had lraversed There was blood on his
spur, and foam his horses bit and potre, but
the proud snort and toss Of the generous beast.
showed that he was unwearied, and instinct with
fiery life aud vigor.
Not So however, sligher and less hgh-bred
animal, which he held by the rein, and which SEEM
ed already half exhausted.
The eye Of the cavalier anxious, yet full OF
hope and daring; and as his quick glance met the
lovely face of Blanche bending out Of the window,
a bright smile lighted up his face, as sunbeam
will illuminate a thunder-cloud.
He stretched out both his arms towards her, and
murmured
blanche. l am yet in iime-say that am in
time, dearest"
"In time in time p she cried, clasping her
hand oyously-"oh, God be thanked in time
but speed we must speed"
"Come then, sweet girl come quickly"
Her hand was already on the latch Of her door,
when the FIRST stroke Of noon changed heavily from
the castle clock, and she crossed the threshold,
her fathers figure met her eye, scarcely ten PAGES
distant, in the corridor to the lelt hand.
But she was quick-witied, and her all was at
stake With the speed of light, she daried down
the passage 10 her right and before the old lord
could conjecture what she was about, passed TO q
heavy iron door which crossed an lnersecting pas
sage, shot the bolts with firm hand, and bounced
down the turret staircase communicating with a
postern in outer wall.
But ere she had made ten steps, she heard her
fathers voice shouting loudly, Treason hol tres-
son To the court 10 the posern Adrian! no
10 arms Treason to arms 10 arms !"
And Instantly the rush Of many feet below and
without announced that she had little time to lose.
She flew, rather than ran she reached the stair
foot and her hand extended to unlatch the pos
! xrha n ha en ReUnipr crnssed her
"Ha my sweet lady" he said, with his fell,
sneerng smile, "whither away so suddenly You
| have mistaken your way liille-allow me TO lead
you back to the ha'-and put forth his hand as
/ If to detain her
But she had not relinqushsd her dagger, and
with an eye Of lightning, and hand as true as
steel, she lifted it.
Back, sir, back, or you run your death
meant i, for myself bui-back p she said yet more
yehemenfy, "or you are dead ~ for she thought he
was about to rush in upon her,
Daunted by her resolue words and brandshed
weapon the bastard hesitated. The moment was
gained the door was changing behind her, she was
in the narrow court, with the wall and saly-port
before her. Two men came running towards her,
servants of the household bu; only Of them was
near enough TO detain her, and he was an old fol-
lower Of her mother.
She was about to address him with words Of en-.
treaty, when he laid his finger on his lips with
. 0uIIleu BeStuItt uippcu oNct otOHcS
fell heavily 10 the ground, shouting he fell, stop,
! Msdemoiselle Blanche, stopl Treason! treason !"
"Braye Martin |" muitered the girl, as she saw
the action good old man !" and in instant she
had cleared the sally-por. and was at liberty.
; Her lover swung her to the embroidered saddle
Of the palrey, placed the rens in her hands, and
crying "Ride ride, for your life. towards ST. Eth
enne Blanche, ride !" he turned the horses head,
and gave il lash with his own brdle-rein, that
sent il up the wood.road at a sharp gaop.
Before he could mount, however, the sally-port
few open, and three men rushed out on him sword
in hand. In second his raper out, and
crossed with their clashing blades. Three passes,
and the bodest Of the three went down never TO
rise again, through the body from breast TO
shoudersI rapid feint. another pass, quick as
the FIRE of heaven, and the blood spouted from the
shoulder Of the second, and his sword-arm fell pow
erless The third man stood one thrust which lie
parted, threw away his weapon, and rushed back
into the court, impeding half dozen other yassals
e who were rushing with pike and musket to the
e rescue.
Raoul turned, vaulied to his saddle, buried his
e spurs rowel deep into his horses flank; the cleft
sod few into the air, and he gone like thun-
derbolt on the traces Of his flying mistress, I'M
harmed by scattering yolley which ratified after
him unheeded.
G In any ordinary circumstances, the escape OF the
e lovers might have been secure, for before horses
u could have been saddled and men mounted, they
e would have gained great a start as to render
II pursuit unavaling but it SO happened, that most
l. Of the guests having on horseback the sta.
bIes we're even filled TO OVERLOOKING, and many no
1t Bile and swift animals standing in the court
yard caparisoned and ready; so that ten minutes
u had not elapsed after their flight was known, be-
fore fifty horses fleet and iresher than their own
Is were squirting in headlong pursuit
Awayi away! Raoul soon overlook The palirey
.e and plying his heavy hunting whip, drove Il on al
a tremendous pace up hill and down dale, still cry
ID ing out words of encouragement to the brave girl
re whose spirits, terminated by the hopes OF escape
Id and The presence Of her lover, and kndled by thu
ne excitement of the race. had filed her eyes with
light and her cheek with color
a. Calamity did she ride leaning back in her sad
:; die, aud holding her beast well together with th
er rens and now shaking boldly at the leap Of SOM
ce fallen tree or rain-washed gully. Away away j
and for willie they gained on their pursuers, an
er their hearts were elated.
I'd But ere long the palfrey began TO fail, its flank
er abored its eyes rolled its nosirils were inleete
with red blood. Its foam hung in streaks Of roP
,rt SLAYER from its chung jaws It drew every preal
or with deep ruckling groans.
at. For life dear grill for life 7 cried haoul d
an Ventador Hold him up yet. Force him on ye
awhile--for life for life If once we may eros
ed the Lore. we are saved have force Of mn
n Isnces there, and the kings mandate, 10 stay h
marriage, and bring you before him.
he And, al the words, she shook the beast agar
"a. and held him on his legs with marvellous skill an
for so slight hand with strange power.
wi They crossed ridge and In theyale beneal
/. a a. -. mil and