The Shasta courier., 1868-02-08
SH ASIA COURIER.
A ROYAL FUGITIVE.

1t was In the early part of September,
1901, that small party of wood choppers,
with their axes on their shoulders, were
passing along road that wound through a
thick heavy wood, not far from where the
Avon unites its waters with the Severn
This party consisted of five individuals, hab
tied in the plain coarse attire of their calling;
and casual observer, to have seen and not
heard them, would have supposed them talk
ing about nothing Of more Importance than
their regular employment. They had reach
ed point of the woods where they were about
to turn off from the highway, when squad
of dragons suddenly dashed in sight around
sharp bend of the road not more than two
hundred yards distant.
Quick % cried one, springing into the
bushes as he spoke; we must make run
for it ~
Hold ~ said one of the others, stopping
himself and checking the rest with his words
we are already seen, and the course pro-
posed would only draw down suspicion upon
us and lead to our certain capture. We must
face it out now, let the consequences be what
they may. Come out and join US, John, as
if the idea of fear was farthest from your
mind"
AT this, the one who had been the first to
fly, came sauntering out of the bushes, bring
ing one of the latter in his hand, and trim
ming it with his axe, as if that had been his
sole object in springing from the roadside
lie barely Joined his companions when the
horsemen reined up around the little party.
4" Who are you?' grufiy demanded the
commander of the Dragons, who wore the
uniform of lieutenant and what are you
doing here ?'
g We are only simple woodmen on our way
to our work, replied one of the choppers.
''Are you sure ?'' rejoined the commander,
by turns eyeing each man sharply and sus-
piciously.
Quite sure, your honor"
" You re sure there's no Prince of Wales,
no Scottish king, no fugitive general from
yesterdays battle among your number
We don't exactly understand your hon
or" said one of the lankiest, ugliest and
meanest dressed of the party, stepping out
from his companions and drawing up close
to the officer, you don't suspect any of us
of being kings, princes, or generals in dis
guise, do you ?''
O. l certainly don't suspect you of being
very great man." returned the off eer, with
an ironical laugh.
Well, Pm glad of that" said the other,
with clownish chuckle. g for Just now I'm
the safest head don't rest on q kings
body"
9 You're right there, my man it don't
indeed" grinned the officer England has
had enough of kings and having cut off the
father, she's ready to do as much for the
SON. Let me see | want the direct route to
Whiteladies''
Your honor1l follow this road to the
forks and turn to the right"
You must know" pursued the officer,
:" the late kings son, who commanded the
royalists on that day, has succeeded in max
ing his escape, and a reward of thousand
pounds is offered for his person, dead or
alive. So, my good men, keep sharp eyes,
and who knows but even you may be destined
to make your fortunes Z? for whoever captures
him will receive, besides the golden reward,
great honors and glory"
Saying this, he spurred his horse and rode
off with his troop" The wood choppers
stood and looked after the retreating dragons
till they were out of sight, and then the
young man, who has been described as the
clownish looking fellow, burst out with {.
broad, hearty laugh, saying
Come, my jolly comrades, let's off and
hunt up the royal fugitive"
They Immediately ysturned off into the woods,
and kept on until they came to wild. soli
tary spot, where the trees and bushes grew
very thick, when the clownish fellow, whom
the others treated with great Difference. threw
himself down on the ground, saying he was
too tired to go any further At this one of
the others took blanket that had been care
lessly resting on his shoulders, and spread it
out for him to lay on, with the remark:
The ground is damp, your majesty
"Hush!' cried the clownish fellow, with an
angry gesture, why do you SO often forget
yourself? Should it occur again, you and I
must part company. We have no maiesties
here, you knows we are only deputed by
band OF rebel cut throats to go and look for
one."
In the course of an hour it began to rain.
and continued to rain all the rest of the day'
SO that the unnamed parsonage, who remain
ed IN the woods, got scarcely any rest, and
suffered not little from the cold and wet. to
which he was not used. His comrades left
hlm and went to chopping in different places.
but did not go beyond call.
just about nightfall, as our little marty,
stood collected together holding council ms 70
where the night should be passed. female
voice was heard calling Richard.
" It's mother, as live ~ said one of ,bo
party, and adding few words of caution he
darted away.
In fow minutes he returned, accompanied
by his mother and sister, who wero also
mother and sister of all save one. Tor four of
the party were brothers. The two females
had brought a basket full of provisions. a
couple of bottles of wine, which were very
acceptable to men who were cold, wet and
half famished. These were presented to the
young, clownish looking fellow first, the
mother and daughter sinking down on their
knees before him, and the former fervently
thanking God that it had been in the power
of herself and sons to assist him in his hour
of need.
'.But you mustn't remain here another
hour !" was her warning advice 8 for by
daylight to morrow morning the soldiers will
begin to search these woods"
After the repast was over. serious con-
sultation was held by the whole party, which
resulted in speedy separation-th three of the
brothers going home with their mother and