The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-05-29
A Stirring Serial # Romantic Adventure.
0ln~hz k , z3,t;-z~>
"Kidnaapea ~. Etc, etc. 1910
Copyrighted, 1855 by s $ Mcclure All rigsreserved

countenance that the fellow merely fidgetod
and stared; but at the second landing the man
carried his spear across and babe him name his
business
Pax vobiscum," answered Dick. 81 90 to
pray oyer the body of this poor Rutter.''
Like enough" returned the sentry: "but
to go al9pe is not permitted you" He leaned
over tlte.eaken balusters and whistled shrill.
cone copeth!'' he cried; and thon motioned
Dick to pass.
AT the foot of the stair lie found the guard
afoot and awaiting his arrival and when he
had once more repeated his story the conn.,
mander OF the post ordered four men out to ac-
company him to the church.
LET him not slip my lads he said. "Bring
him TO Sir Oliver, on your liyesl"
The door was then opened: one of the men
/ took Dick by other arm, another marched
ahead with a link, and the fourth, with bent
bow and the arrow on the string, brough up
the rear. IN this order they proceeded through
the garden, nnder the thick darkness of the
night and the scattering snow, and drew near
to the dimly illuminated windows of the alb
boy church.
At the western portal picket of archers
stood, taking what shelter they could find in
the hollow of the arched doorways, and all
powdered with the snow; and it was not until
Incks conductors had exchanged word with
these, that they were suffered to pass forth
and enter the nave OF the sacred edifice
The church was doubtfully lighted by the
tapers upon the great altar, and by lamp or
TWO that swung from the arched roof before
the private chapels OF illustrious families In
the midst of the choir the dead spy lay, his
limbs piously composed, upon bier
a huffled muttcr OF prayer sounded along
the arches; cowled figures knelt in the stalls
of the choir, and on the steps of the high altar
priest IN pontiiical VeStments celebrated
mass.
Upon this fresh entrance, one of the cowled
hSures aroEe, and, coming down the steps
which elevated the level Of the choir above
of ,lrl
tire four nleJl what business brought him to she
church. Ont OF respect for the service and tile
dead, they spoke in guarded tones; but the
echoes OF that huge, empty building caught up
their words, and hoilowly repeated and repeat
ed them along the aisles.
A monk! !" returned Sir Oliver (for he it
was} when he had heard the report of the
archer "My brother, looked not for your
c con he added, turning to young Shelton
In all ciyity. who are ye? and at whose in
stance do We join your sripplications to onrs?"
Dick, keeping his cowl about his face, signed
to Sir Oliver to move pace or two aside from
the archers; and, so soon as the priest had
done SO, 81 cannot hope to deceive you, sir,''
he said. "My life is in your hands,
Sir Oliver violently started; his stout cheeks
grew pale, and for space he was silent.
Richard" he said "what brings you here
I know not but | much misdhubt it to be evil.
Nevertheless, for the kindness shat was, l
would not willingly deliver you to harm. Ye
shall sit all night beside me in tho stalls We
shall sit there till my lord of Shoreby he mar
ried, and the party gone safe home; and if all
goeth well. and ye have planned no evil in the
end ye shall go whittier ye will. But if your
purpose be bloody, it shall return upon your
head Amen!'
And the priest devoutly crossed himself and
turned and louted to the altar.
With that he spoke few words more to the
soldiers, and taking Dick by the hand, led him
up to the choir, and placed him in the stall be-
side his own, where, for mere decency, the lad
had instantly to kneel and appear to be busy
with his deyotions.
His mind and his eyes, however, We're con-
tinualy wandering. Three of the soldiers, he
observed, instead of returning to the house,
had got them quietly into a point of vantage
in the aisle; and he could not doubt that they
had done so by Sir divers command. Here,
then, he was trapped. Here he must spend the
night in the ghostly glimmer and shadow of
the church, and looking on the pale face of
him he slew; and here, in the morning, he
must see his sweetheart married to another
man before his eyes.
But, for all that, he obtained a command
upon mis- mind, and built himself up in
patience to await the issue.