davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-05-29
CHAPTER ".

In ShorebY Abbey church the prayers were
kept up all night without cessation, now with
the singing of psalms, now with note or two
upon the bell.
Rutter, the spy, was nobly walked. There
he lay, meanwhile, as they had arranged him,
his dead hands crossed upon his BOSOM his
dead eyes staring on the roof, and hard by, in
the stall, the lad who had slain him waited, in
sore diSquetude, the coming Of the morning.
Once only, in the course of the hours, Sir
Oliver leaned across to his captive.
"Richard, he whispered, "my son, If We
mean me evil, l will certify, on my SOULS well
fare, We design upon an innocent man. Sinful
in the eyes Of heaven do declare myself; but
sinful as against you L am not, neither have
been ever"
my father" returned Dick, in the same
tone of voice, trust me, design nothing; but
as for your innocence, may not forget that We
cleared yourself but lamely"
"a man may be innoGently guilty." replied
the priest. "He may be set blindiolded upon
a mission, ignorant OF its true scope. So it
was with me. did decoy your father to his
death, but as heaven sees us in this sacred
place, knew not what did"
at may be-" returned Dick. "But see
what a strange wob ye have woven, that 1
should be, at this hour, at once your prisoner
and your judge that ye should both threaten
my days and deprecate my anger. Methinks,
if We lad been all your life a true man and
good priest, ye would neither thus fear nor
thus detest me. And now 10 your prayers. L
do obey you, since needs must; but viii not
be burthened with your company"
The priest uttered sigh so heavy that it
had almost touched the lad into some senti-
ment OF pity, and lie bowed his head upon his
hands like man borne down below weight
Of care. lie joined 10 longer in the psalms
but Dick could hear the beads rattle through
his fingers and the prayers a-pattering between
his teeth.
Yet little, and the gray of the morning be-
gan T. struggle through the painted easements
oil the church, and 10 put to shame tho glim-
mer Of the tapers. Thelig htslowly broadened
aud frightened, and presently through tho
southeastern clerest0ries a flush Of rosy sun
light hckercd on the walls. The storm was
over the great clouds had disburdcned their
The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-05-29

posure, "you and i, my poor brother, are dead
men, for l sit here prisoner upon suspicion,
and my neck was to answer for this very mar
riage that he purposeth to mar. / had fair
choice, by the rood to lose my sweetheart or
else lose my life! Well. the cast is thrown-it
is to be my life"
'By the mass" cried Lawless, half arising,
81 am gonep'
But Dick had his hand at once upon his
shoulder.
"Friend Lawless, sit We STILL he said "An
We have eyes, look yonder at the corner by the
chancel arch see We not that, even upon the mo-
ton OF your rising, yon armed men are up and
ready to intercept you? Yield We, friend. Ye
were bold aboard ship, when ye thought to die
a sea-death; be bold again, now that y are to
die presently upon the gallOws."
Master Dick" gasped Lawless, ''the
thing has hath come upon me somewhat Of the
suddenest. But give me a moment till fetch
my breath again; and, by the mass, / will be
as stout-hearted as yourself"
Here is my bold fellowl'' returned Dick.
"And yet, Lawless, it goes hard against tho
grain with me to die; but where whining
mendeth nothing, wherefore whine?'
NAY, that indeed" chimed Lawless.
And fig for death, at worst 1t has to be
done, my master, soon or late. And hanging
in good quarrel is an easy death, they say,
though L could never hear of any that came
back to say So"
And so saying, the stout old rascal leaned
back in his stall, folded his arms, and
began to look about him with the greatest air
of Incidence and unconcern.
"And for the matter Of that" Dick added,
sit is yet our best chance to keep quiet we
wot not yet what Duckworth purposes and
when all is said, and If the worst befall, we
may yet clear our feet Of it."
Now that they ceased talking, they were
aware of very distant and thin strain of
mirthful music which steadily drew nearer,
louder and merrier. The bells in the tower be-
gan to break forth into doubling peal and
greater and greater concourse Of people to
crowd into the church, shutting the snow from
off their feet, and clapping aI:l blowing in
their hands. The western doo1 was flung wide
open, showing n glimpse Of sunlit, snowy
street, and admitting in great gust the shrewd
air Of the morning and, in short, it became
plain by every sign that Lord Shoreby desired
TO be married very early in the day, and that
the wedding train was drawing near.
Some Of Lord Shorebys men now cleared q
passage down the middle aisle, forcing the peo-
pie back with lance stocks; and just then,
outside the portals, the ocular musicians could
be deserted drawing near over the frozen snow,
the filters and trumpeters scarlet in the face
with lusty blowing, the drummcrs and cymba-
lists beating as for wager.
These, as they drew near the door OF the
sacred building, filed of on either side, and
marking time 10 their own vigorous music,
stood stamping IN the snow. As they thus
opened their ranks, the leaders Of this noble
bridal train appeared behind and between
The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-05-29

| Sir Daniel was blinded by anger-blinded by
the hot blood that still streamed across his face.
"Where 2" he beloved "IIale him forth!
BY the cross of Hollywood, but he shall rue
this hour!''
The crowd fell back, and q party of archers
invaded the choir, laid rough hands on Dick,
dragged him head foremost from the stall, and
| thrust him by the shoulders down the chancel
steps. Lawless, on his part, sat as still as a
mouse.
Sir Daniel, brushing the blood ont of his
eyes, stared blinkingly upon his captive.
"Ay," he said, 'treacherous and ihs0lent, /
have the FAST and by all potent oaths, for ev-
cry drop of blood that now tricklcs in mine
eyes, will wiring a groan out of thy carcasc.
Away with HIM" he added. Here is no
place! Off with him to my house. ] will
number every joint of thy body with tor
ture."
But Dick, putting off his captors, uplifted
his voice.
"Sanctuaryp he shouted, Sanctuary!
lilo, there, my fathersl They would drag me
from the church,"
From the church thou hast defled with
murder. boy" added tall man, magnifcently
dressed.
"On VIVA; probation ?" cried Dick. "They
do accuse me, indeed, of some completely, but
have not proved one little. / was, in truth, .
suitor for this damsel's hand and she, L will
be bold to say it, repaid my suit with favor.
But what then? To love maid is no offense,
! trow-nay, nor 10 gain her love. In all else,
i stand here free from outlines"
There was murmur Of approval among the
bystanders, so boldly Dick declared his inno-
cence; but at the same time a throng Of ar
cuscrs arose upon the other side, crying how he
had been found last night in Sir Daniels
honse; how he wore sacriegous disguise
and in the midst Of the babel, Sir Oliver ndi-
Gated Lawless, both by voice and gesture, as
accomplish to the fact. lie, in his turn, was
dragged from his seat and set beside his leader.
The feelings Of the crowd rose high on either
side and while some dragged the prisoners to
and fro to favor their escape, others cursed and
struck them with their fists. Dicks ears rang
and his brain swan dizzily, like man strug-
Cling in the eddies of a furious river.
But the tall man who had already answered
Dick, by prodigious exercise Of voice restored
silence and order in the mob.
Search Them" he said, 'for arms. We may
so Judge Of their intention"
Upon Dick they found no weapon but lis
poniard, and this told In his favor, until one
man ofticiously drew II from it's sheath and
found II still UNLICENSED Of the blood of Rutter.
AT this there was a great shout among Sir
Daniels followers, which the tall man sup
pressed by gesture and an imperious glance
But when il carne 70 the turn Of Lawless there
was found under his gown sheaf OF arrows
identical with those that had been shot
"Iow say ye now2" asked the tall man,
frowningly, Of Dick.
"Sir," replied Dick, ar am here In sanctu-
airy, is 1t not soY Well, sir, sec by your
The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-05-29

them; and such was the variety and gaiety of
Their attire, such the display of silks and vel
vet, fur and satin, embroidery and lace, that
the procession showed forth upon the snow
like fiowerbed in path or painted window
in wall.
First came the bride, q sorry sight, as pale
as winter. clinging to Sir Daniels arm, and
attended, as bridesmaid. by the short young
lady who had befriended Dick the night be-
fore. Close behind, in the most radiant toilet
followed the bridegroom, hating ON a equity
loot and as he passed the threshold of the
sacred building and DOTTED his hat, his bald
head was seen to be rosy with emotion.
And now came the hour OF Ellis Duckworth.
DICK, who sat stunned among contrary emo
tions, grasping the desk in front of him, be-
held a movement in the crowd, people jost-
ling backward, and eyes and arms uplfted.
Following these signs he beheld three OF four
men with bent bows leaning from the oeres-
tory gallery. AT the same instant they deliv-
cred their discharge. and before the cries and
clamor of the astounded p0pulaee had time to
swell fully upon the ear, they had fitted from
their porch and disappeared.
Tho nave was full of swaying heads and
voices screaming; the eccessiastics thronged
IN terror from their places; the music ceased
and though the bells overheard continued for
some seconds to clang upon the air, some wind
of the disaster Seemed to find its way at least
even to the chamber where the ringers were
leaping on their ropes, and they also desisted
from their merry lahors. ~
Right in the midst of the nave the bridegroom
lay stone-dead, pierced by two black arrows.
The bride had tainted. Sir Daniel STOOD tow
ering above the crowd in his surprise and anger,
clothyard shaft quivering III his left forearm,
and his face streaming blood from another
which had grazed his brow.
Long before any search could be made for
thenls the authors of this tragic interruption
hadclauered down turnpike stair and de-
cantped by postern door.
But Dick and Lawless still remained in
pawn; they had, indeed, arisen on the first
alarm, and pushed manfully to gain the door;
but what with the narrowness of tho stalls and
the crowding Of terrified priests and choristers,
the attempt had been in vain, and they had
stoically resumed their places.
And now, pale with horror, Sir Oliver rose
to his feet and called upon Sir Daniel, pointing
with one hand to Dick
Here, " he cried, sis Richard Shelton-alas
the hourl-blood guilty. Seize him!-bid him
be seizedl For all our lives sakes, take him
and bind him securely He hath sworn our
fall
The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-05-29
CHAPTER V.
EARL HISINGfIAAr.

Earl Risingham, although by far the most
important person then in Shoreby, was poorly
lodged in tho house OF private gentleman
upon the extreme outskirts Of the town. Moth
ing but the armed men at the doors and the
mounted messengers that kept arriving and
departing, announced the temporary residence
Of great lord.
Thus it was that, from lack OF space. Dick
and Lawless were clapped into the same apart
ment.
"Well spoken, Master Richard, )" said the
OUTLAW; sit was excelently well spoken, and,
for my part, / thank you cordially Here VIC
are in good hands; we shall be Justly tried,
and some time this evening, decently hanged
on the same tree"
Indeed, my poor friend, do believe it,"
answered Dick.
"Yet have we string TO our bow" returned
Lawless. CELLS Duckworth is a man out of
ten thousand he holdeth you right near his
heart, both for your own and for your fathers
sake; and knowing you euiities5 Of this fact,
he viii stir e;afth and heaven to bear you
clear
at may not be" said Dick. "What can he
do? He hath but handiul. Alaclr, If 1t
were but toinouOw--cOud lUt leon a certain
tryst an hour before noon tongs 70 Y--all were,
! think, otherwise. But nov taere is no
help"
"Well," concluded Lawloeg, "an sc viii
stand 10 IL for my innocence, viii s'pnd TO IL
for yours, and that stoutiy. 10 shall ngught
avail U.S. but an be 10 hang IL shall not DO
for lack OF swearing"
And then, while Dick gave himself over TO
his reflections, tho old rogue curled himself
down into corner pulled his monkish hood
about his face, and composed hinsolf to sleep.
The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-05-29
,urtesy to her who had called herself his

courtesy to her who had called herself his
niece
"Sir Daniel. he said "here is a right intri-
cate affair, the which, with Your good leave, it
shall be mine TO examine and adjust. Content
ye, then; your business is in careful hands;
justice shall be done you and in the mean
while, get we mcontinently home, and have
your hurts attended The air is shrew, and /
would not ye took cold upon these scratches"
He made a sign with his hand it was passed
down the nave by obsequious servants, who
waited there upon his smallest gesture. In
stantly, without the church, tucket sounded
shrill, and through the open portal archers and
men-at-arms, uniformly arrayed in the colors
and wearing tho badge Of Lord Risingham,
began to file into the church, took Dick and
Lawless from those who still detained them,
and, closing theiT files about the prisoners,
marched forth again and disappeared
AS they were passing, Joanna held both her
hands to Dick and cried him her farewell and
the bridesmaid, nothing downcast by her
uncle's evident displeasure, blew him q kiss,
with a Keep your beartup, lion-driyer" that
for the first time since the accident called UP q
smile to the faces Of the crowd
The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-05-29

bearing that ye are high in station, and I
read III yonr countenance the marks of picty
and justice. To you then, | will yield me
prisoner, and that blthely, foregoing the adj
to be yielded into the discretion of that man
whom l do hero accuse with a
loud voice to be tho murderer OF
my natural father and The unjust do
tanner of my lands and revenues-rather than
that, | would beseech you, under fay or with.
your own gentle hand, TO dispatch me on the
spot Your own ears have heard him, how
before that was proven guilty he did threaten
me with torments. ItHtandetl not with your
own honor to deliver ne to my sworu enemy
and old oppressor, put TO try me fairly by the
way OF law, and, ifthat be guilty indeed, to
shay me merciiuly."
''My lord, cried Sir Daniel, eye will not
hearken to this wolf? His bloody dagger
reeks him the lie into his face"
NAY, but suffer me, good knight returned
the tall stranger "your own vchemence doth
somewhat tell against yourself"
And here the bride. who had come to hor-
self some minutes past, ard looked wildly on
upon this scene, broke Loose from those that
held her, and foil upon her knees before the
last speaker.
"My Lord of Risingham," she cried, ''hear
me, III justice i am here in this mans Gus
tody by mere force, reft from mine own people.
Since that day had never pity, countenanoe
nor comfort from the face of man, but from
him only, Richard Shelton whom they now
accuse and labor touudo. My lord, il he was
yestenght in Sir Daniels mansion it was |
that brought him there; he came but at my
prayer, and thought to do no hurt. While yet
sir Daniel was good lord 10 him, he fought
with them of the Black Arrow Loyalty; but
when his foul guardian sought his life by prac-
tices, and he fled by II ght, for his souls sake,
out OF that bloody house, whittier was he to
turn--he, helpless and penniiess? Or il he be
fallen among i'll company, whom should ye
blamo-the lad that was uniusly handled or
the guardian that did abuse his trust?'
And then tho short young lady fell ON her
knees by Joanna's side
And |, my good lord and natural uncle"
she added, 81 can bear testimony. on my con-
science and before the face of all, that what
this maiden saith is true. 1t was |, unworthy,
that did lead the young man in,'
Earl Risingham had heard in silence,
and when the voices ceased, he still
stood silent for space. Then he
be observed that he did not offer the like
The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-05-29
PRICE FIVE CENTS

Soon he was loudly snoring, so utterly had his
long life OF hardship and adventure bluntedi
the sense OF apprehension.
1t was long after noon and the day was all
ready taiing, before the door was opened and
Dick taken forth and led up stairs to where .in
warm cabinet, Earl RisinGham sat musngi
over the fire.
On his oaptive's entrance he looked up.
"Sir," he said, 81 knew your father, who
was Il man of honor, and this inClineth me N
be the more enient but may not hide from
you that heavy charges lie against your char
ncter. He do consort with murderers and rob-
bers; upon clear probation ye have carried
war against the kings beace We are suspected
to have practically seized upon a ship; We are
found skulking with counterfeit prcsentment
III your enemy $ house; q man is slain that very
evening -"
can it like you, my lord" Dick interposed,i
u will at once avow my guilt, such rs it is. q
slew this fellow Kutter and to the proof
searching in his boson-"here is a letter from
his wallet"
Lord Risingham took the letter, opened and
read it twice.
"Ye have read this?" he inquired.
II have read it" answered Dick
"Aro We for York or Lancaster?' the earl
demanded.
! was asked that question and knew not how
to answer it, said Dick but having answer
ed once, | shall not vary. My lord [ ann
for York"
The earl nodded approyingly.
"Ilonestly replied" he said "But where-
fore then, deliver me this letter." "''''o
Nay, but against traitors. my lord, are not
all sides arrayed?" cried Dick.
~ would they were, young gentleman" res
turned tho earl "and | do at least approves
your saying. There is more youth than guie
in You, do perceive; and we're not Sir Daniel
mighty man upon our side, / were half
tenpted to espouse your quarrel. For have
inquired and it appears ye have been hardly
dealt with and have much excuse. But look
yc, sir, am, before all else leader in tho
queens interest; and though by nature a Just
man, MS believe and leaning evenio the ex-
cess of mercy, yet must l order my gotrgs for
my party's interest, and, to keep Sir Daniel,
would 90 far about"
MY lord" returned Dick eye will think
! me very bold to counsel you; but do we count
upon Sir Daniels faithY Methought he had
changed sides intolerably often"
Nay, it is the way of England What
would ye have2' tho earl demanded. bat
we are unjust TO the knight of Tunstal; and
as faith goes, IN this uniaithful generation, he
hath of late been bonorabiy true to us Of Lam
caster. Even in our last reyerSes he stood
firm" )
can it pleased you, then" said Dick. "to
east your eye upon this letter, ye might some-
what change your thought of him p and he
handed to the earl Sir Daniels letter to Lord
Wensleydale.
The effect upon the earl's eountenance was
instant; he lowered like angry lion, and his
hand, with q sudden movement, clutched at
his dagger.
aye have road this n1so qn he asked
The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-05-29
A QUEER BEDFELLow.
The Startling Nocturnal Discovery Made by
n Soiourner I'm Texas

nSojourner in Texas.
am encamped in the deep forests on tho
carboniferous hills Of Young county, says Il Texas
letter In Forest and Stream. My temporary shelter
is n small cabin of n single room in Of cracks
Though which things can creep. This morning an
hour before dawn heavy storm descended upon
US, and the air grew quite chilly. While lying In
my comfortable little bed listening TO the bowling
OF the wind and pouring OF The rain. fet strange
movement in the bed. 1t was not the movement OF
nm earthquake, or OF whale, or of an elephant
yet Immediately recognized IL as a movement Of
very moving natuTe-one that might involve ter
riblc consequences felt 1t again, and IL was not
only In bed, but under the cover with me Just at
this juncture felt something very slick aud Of a
somew hat cold nature move agGi1st my hand The
time fer action evidently had come, and / did not
deliberate what action TO perform but performed as
once. With one fell bound vacated that bed and
landed In the middle Of the flour with such q
thump that the cabin shook all over.
In moment my lamp was burning,
and selling club / approached
the bed and cautiously pulled down the cover
There lay snake, beautifully coiled up. with his
head somewhat uplifed, licking out bis tongue az
me. He was about four feet long. lie looked at
me and looked at him. He made no motion as II
he would run and neither did l. l thought spied
n gentle and condding expression IN his eye as IL
he said: You need not bc alarmed: II you VIII not
hunt mo neither will 1 hurt you. II you viii be my
friend viii he yours" threw nay club aside. 1
perceived thatmy bed fellow was a bulsnake, al
most precisely like the raulesnake In markings but
in no other respect like that monster,
He Is without Glngs, without poison and Of gem
tic, playful ana amable nature. He grows eight
or nine feet long. ! said unto him that he and
should be friends; than he might not only dwell
with in my cabin, but that If he liked lie could
sleep with me In my bed. Having said that much
carefully spread the cover over him and told him
10 sleep on. And he did so. But did not go back
to bed TO him. sat BY my table aud read few
chapters Of 81. Paul who Of AL authors Is my Ia
yoritc How logical, how forcIble, how grand and
cnnObling he Isl
on returning from breakfast brought ono Of my
fellOw-w orkmcn with me 10 show him my friend
aud bed fellow. When drew bnck the cover there
he lay, perfectly quiet and content but licking out
his tongue. My fellow. workman was dumbi0undcd.
then put the cover back again. A few moments
ago my snake descended from the bed IN quiet
way, US If entirely at home, and Is still probably
somewhere 81 the house. lie was probably engaged
in hunting mice when tho storm came up, aud be.
coming chilled IN the changed atmosphere he found
my bed plea ant and concluded 10 sleep with me-
An Atchi5on, Kansas, woman did n big
The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-05-29

I ONE ran forward
and some back, and
! \ all together begdi5 to
gerry aloud. T.
At the sound of
their cries, gueftY
men-at-arms, LADIES,
servants, and, in d
word, all the inhabi7,,
tants of that great
house, came flying
from every dMectlon7
and began to Job
their voices to the
tumult.
Soon a way wa
cleared, and Sir Dan
iel came forth in per
son, followed by the
bridegroom of the
morrow, my Lord
Shoreby.
my lord" said
Sir Daniel, "have I
not told you of this
knaye. the Black Ar
The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-05-29

An Atcliison, Kanfns, woman did n big
washingthe other day, cooked II dinner and whip
ped child, aud then fell dead from oyerexer-.
ton.
Daily independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 188?-1915, 1888-08-30
BUSINESS LOCALS.

New Goods constantly arriving at
Reinhart's.
A new stock of Ginghams, Oslicoes,
etc. at RAinhart's.
Ladies' Muslin Underwear at Rein
hart's, all new and cheap.
New Fancy Ginghum Lawns and
Zephyrs at j. Rosensiock's.
If you want n nobby suit of clothes
made to order, Remnants is the place
to go.
Fine Bamboo Fishing Poles, from p5
cents up, also full line OF fishing
tackle at Muller's.
Striped and Checkered Nainsooks,
Soteens, Yosemite Chevtots aud Indigo
Shirtings ut j. Rosenstock's.
New Hosiery. Cream, Flesh. Pink and
Blue. Special lines of Fine Lisle Thread
and Silk Goves at j Rossnstock'
The finest stock. the best variety and
lntest styles of Wallpapers can be found
at Remnants, who has just received an
immense shipment from the East.