Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1888-03-25
Book 1.-The Two Lads,
CHAPTER l.

AT THE SIGN OF THE sun IN KR1TLEY.
By in the morning, Sir Daniel sat in
the inn room in Kettley, close 6y the fire.
side, for it was cold at that hour among
the fens of Kettley. He had taken of his
Vis0red neadpiece, and sat with his bald
head and thin, dark Yissge resting on one
hand, wrapped warmly in sargulne-coi-
ored cloak. At the lower end CT the room
about a dozen of mis- men stood sentry
over the door or lay asleep on berches;
ard somewhat nearer hand, young lad,
apparently of twelve or thirteen, was
stretched in mantle On theIfoor.
"HI!her," cried Sir Daniel to the boy;
and as tee other rose st his command and
came slowly towards him, he leaned back
and laughed outright. "By the rood!"
he cried, SO sturdy boy!"
The lad flushed crimson with anger and
d6rted look of hate out of mis- dark eyes
Now that he was on his legs, 1t WAS more
difficult to make certain Of his age. His
face looked somewhat older In expression
but it was as smooth as young child's;
and in bone and body he was unusu-
silly slender, and somewhat awkward of
gait.
aye have called me, Sir Daniel" he
said. "WGs it to laugh at my poor
plieht7"
may, now, let laugh" said the knight.
Gan We could see yourself, I warrant ye
would laugh the FIRST"
"Well," cried the lad, flushing, "Ye
shall answer this when ye answer for the
other. Laugh while yet ye may!"
"Nsy, now, good cousin" replied Sir
Daniel, with soma earnestness. "Think
not that mock at you, except in mirth,
as between kinsfolk and singular friends.
/ took you, indeed, roughly, as the time
demanded; but from henceforth I shall
uugrudgingly maintain snd cheerfully
serve you. Ye shall be Mrs. Shelton
Lady Shelton, by my troth! for the lad
promiseth brAvelY. "Sit We down, sweet
heart, and eat"
'Nsy," said Master John, III will break
no bread. Since ye force me to this sin,
l will fast for my souls interest"
aye shall have dispensation, go to!"
cried the knight. "Content you, then,
and eat"
But the Isd was obstinate, drank 8 cup
Of water, and, oncs more wrapping him
self closely in his mantle, sat in isr cor.
neT brooding.
Presently after, came the clatter Of
arms and horses; and Richard Shelton
splashed with mud, presented himself
upon the threshold.
rs I'VE you, Sir Daniel" he said.
Chow! Dickie ST elton !" cried the
knight; and at the mention OF Dick:
name the other lad looked curiouslJ
across. "What maketh Bennett Hstch?'
"Please you, sir knight, to take cogni-
zance OF this packet from Sir Oliver
wherein are all things fully stated, u
answered Richard, presenting the priests
letter.
"Friend Dick" said the knight, "iall to
Here is good ale and bacon. Eat, while
| that read"
Sir Daniel opened the packet, and al
he read his brow darkened. When NJ
lad done he sat little, musing. Thel
: he looked sharply at his ward.
"Dick," said he, "y' have seen thi
: penny rhyme!"
t The lad replied in the affirmative.
nIs bears YOUR fathers nsme," con
! tinued the knight; sand our poor shreV
, OF psrson iF, by some msd soul, accuset
Of Staying him."
, "He did most esgerly deny it,
! answered Dick.
"He did2" cried the knight, yer
| sharply. "Heed him not. He has
/. loose tongue; he babbles like jack
O sparrow. Some day, when l may fin
e the leisure, Dick, will myself more full
inform you of these matters. There wa
/, one Duckworth shrewdly blsmed for 1t
e but the times were troubled, and ther
was no justice to be got"
T ait befell at the Moat House?" Die
e yentured with beating at his heart.
at heiell between the Moat House an
!, Holywood,n replied Sir Daniel, calmly
d but he shot covert glance black wit
!, suspicion ct Dicks face. "And now,
g added the knight, "speed you With you