Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1860-06-15
MISC ELL AN Y.
THE UNKNOWN CHAMPION.

L
The front door Of Kyle Hall shut 50 heav-
ily that itshook tho house, starting a young
girl and boy. who "a, in the deep embra-
sure ola window, apparently waiting for
something or somebody. The grl was
darkhaired, dark-cysd and extremely prs,.
ty, though her lips surlcd rather haush,i.
ly, and an imperiOus glance shot from her
large dark eyes, which told OF proud
spirit.
The boy was pale and soldsn.hair.d-
wholly unlike his champion and sister. in
feature, though hi' pale, thin lips had the
,ame naughty curl and hi' blue eyes grew
dark with pride; apoor weak thing was
Alfred Ly,lc. his right arm and Lex being
wiihered-had been so from his birth. llo
was gentle, Aaec,ionate, high.spiri,ed and
talented. the IDOL Of his widowed father and
proud sister. There wcro times when hls
spiri, chafed, and he almos, cursed the poor
maimcd body which was such clog to
him.
Alfred rcad aloud, while Lis Sister Agnes
bui'icd hsr.lf with piece Of embroidery,
giving IL the truth be told, very divided
attention TO the words OF her brother.
"was not ,ha, a glorious description"
asked the boy, raising his lace all glowing
with poetical enthu'iasm.
"Yes. think never heard a cataract
described moro beautifully"
"why Aegic! 60, long pas, the ea,a.
rac,, and reached the meadow"
"Oh, have you dear! Well, Alfred, to
tell You tho honest truth, got thinking Of
'oms,hipg el.c. 10 20 kind a. to read 1t
over again, and ,hi. time will listen to
you"
The boy laughed gaily, as he answered
" No use, Agge; your wits would be wool
gathering again bSforc had read four
lines. ! will no. torment you any longer.
Shall talk to you instead, or would you
rather be silont9"
Talk, IL you please. Alfred"
"whai think you. sister Agnes, will bO
the result Of this eOnforence2" no asked in
low tone.
The girl raised a troubled face. and an.
.wercl very slowly
Indeed, Alfred, | scarcely dare think.
The Dudley. are no. famed for generosity
and"
Bang, bang! twas the hall door. clio.
sing 80 heavily tha, it stopped her words,
and caused both the young persons TO star,
with alarm.
"Gone a, last" exclaimed Agnes. And
81. rosc to her feet jus, a. tho door Of the
room where they were sitting opened, aud
an oil gentleman entered.
"what now fa,her2 | though, Morti.
mcr Dudley would never 80. How is 1t.
settled"
"The matter stand, jus. as i, did before.
IIc will no, abhte one inch Of ground. nor
will I. IIc thinks his claim as good as
mine, and day after tomorrow We NEE, on
debatablc ground, ana with sturdy lauc,.,
settle the question:"
"Good, Father. | feared you might DO
compelled TO yield, and couldn't bear 10
think that your old age you would be
obliged to give up your old home and go
among strangers. The case has been car.
risd from court to court, and years have
passed away in futile waiting; now we'll
directed blow, and the proud Earl Of Dud-
ley will DO Over,hrown. Aye. charge at
him, father. and may God and Sain. Mary
guild, your weapon 50 that you may come
or conqueror."
The old man smiled and pit,ei the glow.
Ing cheek Of his pretty, spirited daughter,
then seated himself beside his sou aud read
with him.
Sir Henry Ly.lis was abou. fifty. five
handsome and high.spirted, an upright,
honorable and kind father. For two gsner.
a,ions. between the houses OF Dudlsy and
Ly,le, had been long standing quarrel
concsrnin: some property, two.,hirds incln.
din. tho buildings Of Lyle estate. The
dispute had been carried from court to
cour, wi,hou, any decision being made in
favor Of either party. Lately. Rober, Earl
OF Dudley, had died, and his son, q dashing
young man Of twenty-five. had tired Of the
oli.,imc quarrel, proposed to settle the de-
bate by single combat, to be held on the
dcba,able terri,oy-,hen in the fourteenth
century very common method OF settling
disputes.
Thus the matter stood. and with convsr-
.a,ion and reading, the three passed the
evening.
After Alfred had retired, Agnes fingered
behind, seemingly avcr'c to leave her faith
er. Sir Henry noticed her agitation, and.
putting an arm round her waist, and
smoothing her dark curling hair ho said,
earnes,Iy-
"Day after tomorrow, Agnes, I shall
mount my good s,eed and battl, for my
rights and our bone. 10 | fall. as fall |
may, We are homeless. Should anything
happen to prevent me from engaging in the
conflict
:" Bu, nothing can happen to prevent
yau father" eagerly interrupted Agnes.
"No,hing bu. sudden illness or death,
my child"
"0h. father"
I've mus, look at all possibilities. my
child, and | trus. yon do not shrink. II.
a.Is say anx,bin, .honld harp., 10 MA