North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1862-11-12

Wnen they were alarmed by the sound o.
horses hoofs. Both started and farfully
looked behind them; the figure If a-man on
horseback was distinctly visible retreat OF
flight was alike impossible, for in another
minute cavalier, in complete armnr, and
mounted on p painting charger, stood beside
them. In the next moment the knight
sprung from the saddle bow, and falling
gracefully upon one knee before the Baron
ess, exclaimed:
"Fair lady, deign to take pity Oh stran-
ger knight, who is pursued by his enemies
even now," cried he, with increased trepida-
ton, is price set upon my head my par
ty have been defeated by some of Cromwel!'s
army, and number of my followers are
slain Deign then, kind lady, to grant me
an asylum in your mansion for the night on
ly; and pledge you on the faith of true
knight to requite your hospitality"
" Sir Knight" replied the Baroness YOUR
request is granted; il is enough for me to
know that you are royaist, and in danger:
follow US then, and promise you safe re
treat
The cavalier arose, and was profuse in his
expressions Of thankfuIness. In silence they
now pursued their way, until they reached
the principal entrance Of the castle. The
Baroness rang at the massive portal, and IN
few seconds It was opened by an aged do
weslic.
Morden, see that yon steed lacks not
proper food and for you, Sir Knight. | bid
YOU welcome; you need not be apLrehen
siyc, atn mistress here, and there is none
to thwart me"
They were now ushered by several domes-
tics throHsh suite Of rooms, until thev
came to one brilliantly illuminated, and fur
"'Shrd in style Of msgnificence suited to
the ime f; The walls Were nf OAK, richly cary
ed; and the ceiling which formed cupola.
was Of The same materi |, Upon a marble
pedrstral stood an alahaster chandelier. in
which were numerous lights. that cave
br3'I'ancv 10 the whole apartment. The Bar
"ne-S politely Inotioned her guest to seal.
ant .Iieied the supper pre-entlv ~ be ready.
" hen the domes'ics had quilted the apari
mrni, She arose, and taking small ,Ivfr
lamp from table near her, she r,qu4ste
'hr cavalier tn f.,l Nv ner.
SIR Knight" continued she, while the
d"mestce are preparing our repas.. Will
sh"" y"n where ynn may conceal yourself
aud WHO'RE even should your pursuer> de-
mand an entrance, they cann,t discover you.n
Then turan; 70 her yonng friend, she
SAID, in tone Of assumed ga,e;y; ." Annette.
my love, take your Tyre it VIII while away
the 'i,ne tIII our return )" saying this, she
quilted the room, followed by the strange
cavalier
They proceeded through a long suite Of
rooms which terminated III a winding gale
~; here they paused 10 unlock door, winch
narrow stair case having as
cended several steps, tAey found themselves
in spacious apartment arras. 1t was per-
iectIy square. The Baroness advanced to
one side of the room, and lifting the hangir g,
gently touched an unseen sprin- instantly
one Of the panels disappeared, and dr, played
a room of more spacious dimensions than the
former.
" Here, then, Sir Knight, exclaimed the
Baroness, 'you may find a safe retreat;
Will myself teach you the virtue 9th spring,
That in case Of surprise, you may, without
dlfticul y, find your way to this apartment"
Having satisfied herself that her guest was
with the method of opening the
panel, the Baroness FASTENED to return to
the saloon, fearful that Annette might be un-
easy at her absence.
The dulcet notes of the Tyre reached the
apartment. Annette expressed her iov at
their return; and at the request of the cav
alier, sang ballad with exquisite pathos and
Supper was now spread the Baroness cour.
teously invited her guest to partake of the
rich viands that were set before him. The
repast being ended, they entere into an in
terestng discussion upon the probable result
Of that kington. The discourse had lasted
about an hour, when the hearts of all pres
ent seemed to stand still, as loud knocking
was heard at the portal.
"Fly, Sir Knight" cried the Baroness,
hastily putting lamp into his hand your
pur,uers are but fear nothing-re-
member the secret sprIngm The cavalier
pressed the hand from which he took the |
lamp, and hastily quit the apartment.
The knocking was now renewed with re-
doubled violence and the domestics were
ordered TO give parley. It was, indeed, some
Of CromweIl's party. who were in quest of
their unfortunate victim. They loudly de
manded admittance which the Baroness,
anxious to prolong the time for awhile, de-
sired her servants to refuse. Soon, however,
they accompanied their knocking with threats
and the porter was desired to suffer them 10
enter. party of soldiers now rushed into