, 1863-12-05

foreigner, incensed him almost to madness.
For time, however, no opportunity offered
Of causing his resentment to be felt; for
Darcy was as much admired for the dis
crction and justice of his government as for
the beauty Of his person. To his care the
Regent had committed young COckburn, the
heir Of Langton, who was the nephew Of
Weddcrburn. This the Homes felt as now
indignity, andstpgether with the Oockburus,
theyforcibly elected from LangtOn castle the
Tutors whom darcy had placed over their
kiusman. The tidings of this event were
brought to the Cheyalier while he was hold
ing q court at Kelso, and, Immediately sum-
mOning together his French retainers and .
body Of yeomen, he proceeded with gay
and gallant company by way of Fogo to
Langton. His troop drew up in front of the
castle, and their gay plumes and FURNISHED
trappings glittered in the sun. The proud
steed Of the Frenchman was covered with 4
panoply of gold and silver, and he himself
was decorated rs for bridal. He rode
haughtily to the gate, and demanded the
inmates Of the castle to surrender.
Surrender! boasting Gaul" replied
William Cockburn, the uncle Of the young
laird. "That is q word the men Of Merse
have yet to learn. But yonder comes my
brother Wedderburn; speak it to him."
Darcy turned round and beheld Sir Da-
vid Home and party Of horsemen bearing
down upon them at full speed. The Cheva-
lier drew back, and, waiting their approach,
placed himself at the head Of his company.
"By the mass! Sir Warden" said Sir
David, riding up to Darcy, "and ye have
broughta goOdly company to visit my nephew.
Come ye in peace, or what may be your err
randw
al wish peace" replied the Chevalicr,
"and come to enforce the establishment Of
myrights. Why do ye interfere between me
and my ward?"
"Does a Frenchman talk Of his rights upon
the lands Of Homer" returned Sir David,
DOR BY whose authority is my nephew your
ward?
"By the authority of the Regent, rebel
Scot" retorted Darcy.
"By the authority Of the Regent" inter
rupted Wedderburn. "Dare ye, foreign min
ion, speak of the authority Of the murderer
Of the Earl Of Home while within the reach
Of the sword of his kinsman"
Gay, and in his teeth dare tell him." re-
piled the Chevalier, "that the Home now
before me is not less traitor than he who
proved false 10 his sovereign on the field Of
Flodden, who conspired against the Regent,
and whose head now adorns the port Of Ed
inburgh."
"Wretchw exclaimed the henchmanTrot
ter, dashing forward and raising his sword,
"said ye that my master proved false at
Flodden?" fl.s
"Holdp exclaimed Wedderburn, grasp
inghis arm. "Gramercy! ye uncivilised dog !
for the sake Of your masters head would ye
lift your hand against that face which ladies
die to look uponi Pardon me, most beauti-
full Chevalier! the salutation Of my servant
may be too rough for your French palate,
but you and your master treated my kinsman
somewhat more roughly. What say ye, Sir
Warden, do ye depart in peace, or wish ye
that we should try the temper Of our Border
steel upon your French bucklersi"
depart ye in peace, vain boaster," re-
piled Darcy, "lest worse thing beiall
you"
"Then on, my merry menY cried Wedder-
burn, Gand to-day the head Of the Regents
fayorite-the Cheyalier of Beauty-for the
head Of the Earl Of Homew
"The houseo Of Home and revenge~ shout
ed his followers, and rushed upon the armed
band Of Darcy. At first the numbers were
nearly equal, and the contest was terrible.
Each man fought hand to hand, and the
ground was contested inch by inch. The
| gilded ornaments Of the French horses were
covered with blood, and their movements
were encountered by their weight The
sword Of Wedderburn had already smitten
three Of the Chevalier's followers to the
ground, and the two chiefs now contended
in single combat Darcy fought with the
fury Of despair, but Home continued to bear
upon him as tiger that has been robbed Of
its cubs. Every moment the force Of the
Chcvalier was thinned, and every instant the
number Of his enemies increased, rs the
neighboring peasantry rallied around the
standard Of their chief. Finding the most
faithful Of his followers stretched upon the
earth, d 'Arcy sought safety in fight. DASH
ing his silver spurs into the sides Of his noble
steed, he turned his back upon his desperate
enemy, and rushed along in the direction Of
Pouterleiny, and through Dunse, with the
hopeof gaining the road to Dunbar, Of which
town he was governor. Fiercely Wedder-
burn followed at his heels, with his naked
sword uplifted, and ready to strike; imme-
diately behind him rode Trotter, the hench-
man Of the late Earl, and anotherOf Homes
followers named Dickson. Il was fearful
sight as they rushed through Dunse, their
horses striking fire from their heels in the
light Of the very sunbeams; and the sword
Of the parsuer within few feet of the fugi-
tive. Still the Chevalier rode furiously,
urging on the gallant animal that bore him,
which seemed conscious that the life Of its
rider depended upon its speed, His faxen
locks waved behind him In the wind, and
the voice Of his pursSers ever and anon fell
upon his ear, like dagger of death thrust
into his bosom. The horse upon which
Wedderbun rode had been wounded in the
conflict, and, as they drew near Bioomhouse,
its speed slackened, and his followers, Trotter
and Dickson, took the lead in the pursuit.
The Chevalier had reached spot on tho
right bank Of the Whitadder, which Is now
| in q field Of the farm of SwallOwdean, when