Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1860-03-17
CHAPTER II.
THE BLOoD-HOUNDs.

THE BLooD-HoUNDs.
Sometime near the middle of the day man
came down to the cell, and brought Fabian
some food and drink. TWAS Saul, the robber
or, in Gypsy parance, the oshtddor. He
seemed fitting man to stand in the shoes of
the dead Cover and surely he was a ready
and expert tool in the hands of the Gypsy
| king. --.. ..-..-
the prisoner had a thought of poison in his
mind, but it did not prevent him from eating;
though he did not relish the food quite so well
as he might otherwise have done. Saul wait
ed little while, as though from curiosity, and
then left When Fabian had eaten what he
pleased, he walked about the cell, feeling his
way along by the wall, talking with himself as
he went. In this manner he had spent an
hour or more, when he was disturbed in his
reflections by the approach of some one to-
wards his place of confinement, and shortly
afterwards his door was opened, and Saul
again made his appearance but he did not
this time come alone, his companion, Ansel-
mo, bore him company.
"Well, my MASTER" spoke the former, chow
would you like to smell the fresh air, and see
the stars We have come to lead you out of
this place; and shouldn't think you'd feel
many regrets in leaving it."
"That may depend upon what gain by the
exchange" replied Fabian.
Il guess the exchange will be all in your
tavor,-that is, if yOn improve it. However,
Wen see by and by
When the party reached the upper hall, in
stead OF turning towards the main part OF the
building, they moved on to the rear, and passed
out, by the stables, into small yard, where
they were Joined by Jasper, rufIian whom
we have once before noticed. In this yard
were secured two large, powerful blood
hounds, which leaped turiously at our hero as
he entered, but their stout chaius prevented
their reaching him. Nevertheless, he was
startled by their savage movements, for he
knew their disposition too well, and he with
drew to the further corner of the enclosure.
Jasper spoke to the brutes, and babe them be
quiet. They obeyed him in a measure by
crouching away towards their kennel and ly-
ing down; but they still kept their fiery eyes
fixed upon the youth, and their low, deep
growing seemed to tell that they did not fancy
the presence of the interloper.
In the meantime the three ostiladors con-
versed apart and finally Saul and Anselmo
approached the prisoner, and informed him
that he was to accompany them.
1--WE have learned the kings WILL" said
Saul, "and we know now exactly what to do
We shall 60 with you little way, and when
you know our object don't think you'll want
to make any fuss, So don't be frightened"
i am not used to being frightened, sirs !"
said Fabian, quickly and proudly
81 didn't mean that you were" responded
the villain. 81 only mean that you shouldn't
have any fears Of us, for thought you looked
and acted as though you fancied we would do
you harm but as I'm alive we don't mean to
harm you in the least We're not going to
hurt hair of your head"
Our hero wondered if Saul spoke truly. If
he did, then what meant this secret departure
from the camp! And ON the other hand If
: they did mean any violence what object could
they have in denying it? Perhaps, to keep
/, him quiet and thus render their work the
, more easy. He pondered upon it, and was in
the end rather inclined to doubt the truth of
the villains assertions.
Meantime they had reached the deep wood,
at point where narrow, blind hunting-path
wound Its devious way among the big trees,
and Anselmo had taken small lantern from
beneath his frock to help light them on, for it
was very dark in the deep forest. The moon
was not yet up, and the stars could dart but
few beams through the rank foliage of the
great oaks. Saul held the prisoner by the left
arm, keeping close by his side as they walked,
while Ansemo kept as close upon the other
side as possible. Fabian remembered his adj
venture with Grower and Torgus upon the
rocky preeipice, and lie could not help feeling
that these two scoundrels might be meditating
the same kind of business as that which he
had before frustrated. If such were the case.
how should he escape He had no weapon
OF any kind, while his conductors were armed
to the teeth. He could think of but one
chance, aud that was flight. If he could
break away from the villains, he might save
himself. -.1.-ls-a.-- N. -...,
With such thoughts in his mind he walked
quietly along for some time. BY and by he
hesitated, and turned towards the man who
held him by the arm.
"Saul' he said, with much anxiety mani.
fest in his tone and manner, twas there poison
in that food you brought me ?"
poison No-not bit of it. Why
what makes you ask the question 2"
because feel it here, replied the youth,
pressing his right band upon his bosom and
uttering groan. 81 do not feel right 0, if
there was poison in it, tell me If lam dying
let me know |"
Bless your body, my master, you are fool
ish There was no more poison in it than in
a maden's kiss" 10 .4N.E
"Then what is this faintness which comes
over me! Why can | not see as l would
What is il Z" And the youth put forth his
hand as though he would feel his way, at the
same time staggering, and leaning heavily up
""Majdro Undebei~ calculated Saul, stop.
ping, and supporting the prisoner. "What is
all this you must have eaten too much, and
drank too much Of that cold water told
the king he'd better send you wine Here,
Ansemo, take hold Of him" -oE
The man thus addressed, set down his Lam
tern upon the ground, and started to obey.
Thiswas the opportunity which our hero had
plotted for. As soon as he saw that he had
thrown the villains off their guard, he gather
ed all his strength for the effort, and with one
blow he sent Saul Keeling to the earth. He
then took Anseno, as he was rising from his
lantern, and served him in like manner; and
] top of his speed. III little while, however,
] 1t became evident to the youth that he must