The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-05-29

row? To the proof, behold it! There it stands,
and by the rood any gossip, in man of yours
or one that stole your colorsg'
Gin good sooth, it was man of mine,'' replied
Lord Shoreby, hanging back. 81 would had
more such, He was keen as beagle and
secret as a mole"
CAY, gossip, truly 2" asked Sir Daniel. "And
what came he smelling up so many stairs in
my poor mansion? But he will smell no
more"
AN It please you, Sir Daniel" said one,
there is paper written upon with some mat
ter. penned upon his breast
"Give it me, arrow and all, said the knight
and when he had taken into his hand the shaft
he continued for some time1to gaze upon it IN
2 sullen musing;, cay" he said, addressing
Lord Shoreby, there is hate that foloweth
hard and close upon my heels. This black
stick, or its just likeness, shall yet bring me
down. And, gossip. suffer a plain knight to
counsel you; and if these hounds begin to wind
you, flee IT'S Ike a sickness-it still hangeth,
hangeth upon the limbs. But let us see what
they have written. 1t is as l thought my
lord y are marked, like an old oak BY the
woodman; tomorrow or next day by will come
the ak. But what wrote We in letter."
Lord Shoreby snatched the paper from the
arrow, read it, crumpled it between his hands
and, overcoming the reluctance which had
hitherto withheld him from approaching,
threw himself on his knees beside the body
and eagerly CROPPED in the wallet.
He rose to his feet with somewhat unset
Eled countenance
Gossip he said, az have indeed lost let
ter here that much imported; and could lay
my hand upon the knave that took it, he
should incontnently grace halter. But let
us, first of all, secure the issues of the house.
Here is enough harm already, by ST. George"
SentinelS were posted close around the house
and garden; sentinel on every landing of the
stair, whole troop III the main entrance hall,
and yet another about the bonfire in the shed.
Sir Daniels followers were supplemented
men Or weapons to make the house secure or
to entrap a lurking enemy, should be
there.
Meanwhile, the body of the spy was carried
out through the falling snow and deposited in
the abbey church.
1t was not until these dispositions had been
taken. and all had returned to a decorous
silence, that the two girls drew Richard Shell
ton from his place of concealment and made
full report to him of what had passed. He,
upon his side, recounted the visit of the spy,
his dangerous discovery and speedy end
Joanna leaned back very faint against the
.curtained wall.
sit viii avail but little" she said. ''I shall
be wed tomorrow, i'll the morning, after all!'
"What !" cried her friend, "And here is
our paladn that driyeth Ions like mice! Ye
have little faith, of a surety. But come,
friend lion-driver, give us some comfort speak,
and let us hear bold counselS."
Dick was COMPOUNDED to be thus Cutfaced
with his own exaggerated words; but though
he colored, he still spoke stoutly.
"Truly," he said, 1--WE are in straights. Yet,
could I but win out of this house for Il half
hour, do honestly tell myself that all might
still go well and for the marriage, it should
be prevented. -"
"And for the lions" mimicked the girl,
$they shall be driven"
81 crave your excuse" said Dick ~ speak
not now i'll any boasting humour but rather
as one inquring after help or counsel; for if |
get not forth of this house and through these
sentinels can do less than naught. Take
lne, pray you, rightly"
"Why said We he was rustic, Joan?" the
girl inquired. 81 warrant he hath tongue in
his head; ready, soft. and bold in his speech
at pleasure. What would We more?"
may" sighed Joanna with a smile, "they
have changed my friend Dick, tbs sure enough.
When | behold him, he was rough indeed
But it matters little; there is no help for my
hard case, and / must still be Lady Shoreby"
"Nay then" said Dick, II will even make
the adventure. a friqr is not much regarded;
and if / found good fairy to lead me up, L
may find another belize 10 carry me down.
How call they the name Of this spy?"
"Rutter," said the young lady; land an ex
cellent good name to call him by. But how
mean We, lion-dryer? What is in your mind
to do?'
"To offer boldly to 60 forth" returned Dick;
''and if any stop me, TO keep an unchanged
countena1cc, and say 20 to pray for Rutter.
They will be praying over his poor clay even
now"
"The device is somewhat simple" replied
the girl, "yet it may hold"
NAY" said young shelton, "it is no device,
but mere holiness, which seryeth often better
in great straits"
"Ye say true, she said. "Well, 90, a-Mary's
name, and may Heaven speed you! Ye leave
here poor maid that loves you entirely, and
smother that is most heartily your friend. BE
wary. for their sakes and make not shpwreck
of your safety"
"Ay," added Joanna "go Dick Yerun no
more peril whether sc 90 or stay. Co ye take
1ny heart with you: the saints defend you"
Dick passed the first sentry with SO assured