The Lincoln County herald., 1870-05-12
BARBARA CLAxTON'S LOVE.

1t Vas IN the reign OF Edward the
Third, and at . period Of temporary re-
bellon against the monarch and his val
liant soa. the Prince Of Wales, that our
tale opens.
The scene was o beautiful picturesque
part OF the county in Berkshire; and the
charming barbara Charlottesville dream.
ing, enthusiastic chiiA Of genips-sat be
side her lonely cottage door, watching the
shadows deepen aud darkea as twilight
approached. Her revories were disturbed
by q stranger approaching in breathless
haste
Hide me, damsel," he exclaimed, "for
the love of heaven Quick-my foes
are approaching"
For an instant, Barbara scanned the
noble fcatares and well.knit form of the
supp!iant.
Follow ms" she replied, "thers is
but one place wherein there is the least
vestige Of security"
And she led him into the cottage, into
an inner room, where prostrated on bed
Of pain, lay au aged woman.
'I wilt lift up my grandmother" she
said, husrediy land you must get DO
tween the beds underneath her. 1t will
bo very warm, but the oaly safe place.
[ do not think they will disturb her"
He did as he wss ordered tho bed was
spread down, and the old lady lay back
on her pillow, unconscious Of the scene
which had just occurred. Barbara has.
tened back to the door, and sat down in
her old place.
A moment later party Of horsemen
approached. They stopped, and the
leader looked With critical eve upon the
lovely msiden before him.
"Surround tho cottage my men," be
ordered; "and if he is here We win soon
uncartb him. Now, my dreamipg lsssie'
(addrsssiag himself to the girD "have
you seeu any thing Of a stray?"
She looked up shyly, the colos auctua.
ting on hcs checks, as she returned, "A
stray, SIR ?" in meek tones. mo sane
man would stray hither."
"But he must be somewhere near here
and by your permission, sosebad, | will
search your house." he. observed.
"If you will only please, sir. to rcqaes,
your men to cease their noise. My poor
grandmother is sick and dying"
The officers heart, though stained by
guilt and bloodshed, was tender where
youth and beauty were the suppliants
He ordered bis men to bs quiet; and
then entered with the trembling Barbara
who, though trying outward to bs Gala
and unconcerned, was inwardly thrilling
with apprehension. v hat il he shexid
6ud the fugitive? She oaly knew too
we'll the blood thirsty suffians would in
stantly kill her on the spot, or perhap ps
reserve her for q fate worse than death
When he entered, che officer cast {
quio6, searching glance arosnd hem
There were but the two rooms to the cot
tage. and he could see through the loose
boards above that no one was hidden ia
tn, loft.
"Will you have draught Of ale, sir P
she asked, pouring some Of the fermented
beverage into pewter mug.
He took It eagerly and qusffed it; ant
then passed into the inner room. Th,
old grandame was mu.tering dellriously ,
having been aroused by the strange noise'
outside. lie vent over to her, looked q
her for an instant, and said, "She'll b,
dead pretty soon and you'll have tt
come to me, pretty lass"
Barbara bowed low.
"You are to kind, SIR" she said, "tt
one SO humble"
"Givs me q kiss, my lassl" be ex-
claimed, his rude eyes rivet.d upon her
"for I must harry from here before tha
wretch gets too Tar is advance
She drew back quickly, the hot bleoi
crlmsoniug her fsco and neck.
"No, mo-" she cried mo, no, sir!"
But be hurried after her.
~ will not be put aside by q pretty
one; l have no time to fool. You or,
only too ooy;" and be grasped the strug
Cling maiden 10 bis arms. and kissed bel
over and over, despite her violent resist.
ance. II will come again suather day
my pretty sweethssrti" he laughed ss b.
released her, and passed out.
Trembling with shame and indignation
sho stood whare be had left her until sh'
heard the retreating clatter Of tho horses
honcs Rous;n,, horaolc eko ,,nct "a <I,,