The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1860-02-02
THE UNANowN CHAMPION.

The front door of Lyse Hall shut so heavily
hat II shook the house, starting young Slr'
and boy, who sat in The deep embrasure of the
window, apparently waiting tor something OF
some person. The girl was dark-haired, dark
eyed and extremely pretty, though her lips cured
rather haughty, aud an mperous glance shot
from her large, dark eyes, which told OF h proud
spirit. The boy was pale aud golden haired -
wholly unlike his companion and sister in tea-
lure, though his pale, thin lips had the sane
naughty curl, aud his blue eyes grew dark with
pr,de. A poor, weak thing was Alfred Lysle,
his right arm aud leg being withered- had been
SO from his birth, He was gentle, aflhctionate
high-spinled aud talented the idol Of his wild
owed futhcr and proud sister. There were times
when his spirit chaied, and lie almost cursed
the poor nlaimed body which was such clog TO
him.
Alfred read aloud while hIs sister Agnes bus
led herself with piece OF embroidery, giving, If
the truth be lold, very divided attention TO
The words OF her brother.
Was not that a glorious description" asked
the boy, raising his face. all glowing with poel-
zeal enthusiasm.
Yes. | think never heard q cataract dec
cribed more beautifully
why Aggie! got long past the cataract
and rea ched the meadow.
" Oh have youdesr? Well, Alfred, t. tell you
the honest truth got thinking of something else.
Be SO kind as to read it over again, and this
time will surely listen to yon."
Tue boy laughed galy as he answered.:
" No USE Aggie, your wits would be wool
gathering again before | had read three lines. -
will not torment you any longer. Shall | talk
to you mstead-or would you rather be sien?
g What think you. Agnes, will be the result
OF this conference" continued the boy in low
tone.
The girl raised troubled face, and answered
very slowly:
Indeed. Alfred, scarcely dare think. The
Dudleys are not famed Tor generosity, and"
Bang! bang! l. Was the nail door, closing so
heavily that IT stopped her words and caused
both the young persons to start.
GO t at laSt!.' exclsimed Agnes; and she
rose 10 her feet just as the door of the room
where they were sitting opened, and an old gen
tlemon entered
What now, f4ther?" | thought Mortimer
Dudley would never 20. How is 1t sertled2'
{" The matter stands just us it did before He
will not dbate one inch OF ground, nor will L.
he thinks his claims as good as mine, aud day
after tO-morruw We meet on The deb table ground
and with sturdy lances settle the question"
GOOD, ia ther | feared you might be com
PEELED TO yield, and could not bear to think
that IN your old age you would be obliged to
give up your home and 80 among strangers. The
case has been carried from court to court, and
years have passed away in futile waiting; now,
a we'll directed blow, aud the Earl oi Dudley will
be overthrown Aye, charge at him. ia ther aud
may God aud ST. Mary guide your weapon SO
that you come off conquerer."
The old man smiled aud patted the glowing
cheek of his pretty, spirited daughter then sea /
ed himself beside his son aud read with hirr.
Sir Henry Lysle was about fifty five handsome
aud hlgh-spirted, all upright honorable and kind
alher. For two generations, between the hous-
rs OF Dudley aud Lyse had been long anding
quarrel concerning some property, two.thirds,
the building OF the LysIe estate. The
iispute had bren carried from court to cour !
without any decision being INSIDE in favor o
either party. Lately. Robert, Earl of Dudley,
had died, and his son, dtshing young m ,n ol
twenty-five, had. tired OF this old time quarrel
proposed TO settle the dispute by single combat t.
To be held on The disputed terilory-then, in
The fourteenth century, very common method
Of settling disputes. Thus the ma ter stood aud
with conversation and reading the three passed
The evening.
Af.er Alfred had retired. Agnes fingered be.
hind, seemingly averse To leaving her father. Sir
Henry noticed her hesitation, and putting an
arm around her waist, and stIoking her dark
curling hair he said earnestly:
DAY after Tomorrow, Agnes, shall mount
my good sieed and battle for my rights snd our