Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1889-05-03
CHAPTER XXVu.-TREASON.

falrhaVen creek, and by the time we
reached the landing-place at the foot Of the
hill it was quite dark.
CHAPTER XXVH.-TREAsON.
Nab, who for the last hour or two had
been thoughtful and taciturn, told us in
whisper to follow her silently, and if we
were accOsted by anybody not to answer.
She did not want to be recognized. At
the outskirts Of the town she turned off
into by-path, and after walking about
ten minutes, stopped at the door of soil
tary cottage
Have you that letter?r she asked me.
yes; here it isI''-giving it to her.
"Wait here until I RETURN" and with
that she opened the door and went in.
"Whose house is it?' l asked Marian
"Sybipo"
Every old, isn't she?"
more than hundred; she is the only
person in the island who remembers Den
zil Fame. She is very wise, and they say"
hesitating.
yes; what do they say?"
THAT she can read your thoughts by
looking into your eyes, and tell your for
tune by examining your hand"
81 suppose people are afraid of herr"
a glance, or, at least, work anybody who
offends her grievOus harm. But the queen
fears her not and Sybil likes her. Nobody
else would dare go into Sybil's house I'M
hidden. | would not for all the world"
We went on talking, or, rather, let the
girl 90 on chattering until the door opened
a second time, and Nab, standing at the
threshold, beckoned me to enter.
I ObpvaI and after D1SSiDo throuph
sort of vestibule, found myself in a little
low-ceiled room, dimly lighted by swing
jag lamp. Under the lamp sat a tall old
woman, with the most peculiar counten-
ance | ever saw-and since left Liverpool
had seen some very queer ones. A mass
of snow-white hair covered her shoulders
and fell down to her waist. Her powerful
face was like a corrugated bronze mask;
but her ears, her neck, and her eyelids
were as white as her hair. and her little
eyes glowed in their deep, sunken sockets
like live Goals.
Though rather startled, did not feel
much alarmed, and met the gaze of those
burning eyes without flinching.
Let me see your hand" she said. after
staring at me full minute.
l showed her my hand, which she exam
ined with great care. both back and front
"He is the manr'-tO Nab.
Then turning to me
you are an Englishman. The last Eng
lishman | saw was Denzil Fame He
founded this commonwealth. You are its
destined savior. You have done much al
ready, yet your task has only just begun.
But fortune and happiness await you.
And now go, for there is danger in delay.
Take with you the blessing of an old wo-
man, and ask God for His. The peril is
great and so is the prize, and the omens
are good"
"Come" said Nab, giving me her hand;
and we went out into the darkness.
"Whither2" / asked
"You will see. Quick If we are late,
harm may befall."
She led the way. almost at a run, back
into the main road and up the hill, never
pausing until we were in the middle of
the great square. The Government House
was lighted up, and before the entrance,
which seemed to be guarded by armed
men, was gathered the largest crowd had
vet seen in the island. But nobody recog-
nized us-hardly noticed us, in fIct; and
giving the crowd a wide berth, we went
round to the rear of the building. which
we found silent and deserted. It was,
however, easy for Nab, who knew all the
ms and outs, to gain admittance, and we
entered unperceived, by a wicket opening
into a corridor which gave access to the
great hall, where we could see all that
went on without ourselves being SEEM,
Torches of resinous wood, stuck in
brackets, threw a lurId light on a strange
and picturesque scene. Fifty or sixty
armed men, broken up into twos and threes,
some walking rapidly to and fro, others
violently gestiCulating. are engaged IN a
discussion which evidently excites them to
the utmost, but as all talk together it is
not easy to distinguish what they say.
Suddenly side door opens, and Amyas
Fame filings into the hall. He is followed
by Oliver. Field and other members of
the Council of Nine.
The clamor ceases, and is succeeded by
silence so intense that we might have
heard the dropping of the traditional pin.
81 protest against this decision of the
Council. " eXclaims Amyas. They have
actually dared to reject me, and nominate
Oliver Fame as Queen Mab's successor. 1t
is infamous. l am her legitimate success
sor. Her death makes me tpso fdcto pro-
tector of the commonwealth, and l will
maintain my rights against all corners"
This declaration is followed by shouts Of
! applause from several of his friends, who
gather round him, as If for the purpose of
giving him their moral support, and, II
the need should arise probably something
more
lyon forget, Amyas," said Field, quiet
ly, that according to Denzil Fane's will
! and our constitution, the Council have a
right Of selection, and this right they have,
by unanimous decision, exercised in favor
of your cousin Oliver"
| at is all base intrigue The right is
| obsolete, and refuse to recognize it."
/ You set the Council at defiance, thenp
/ 81 treat their decision with contempt, IL
/ that is what you mean; and shall instant
/ ly declare myself protector, and appeal to
/ the people for their support"
! THAT is flat rebellion, and, as president
| OF the Council, order You under arrest"
| "You do, do your And who will execute
! your decree, should like to knowf' de-
| mands Amyas, insOlently.
81 Will" says Oliver, stepping forward
with dignity. You had better submit
/ quietly, Amyas."
"Oh yes: very Quietly"-drawing bis
sword, an example which is followed by
| his partisans, among whom / perceived
Bolsover. armed with cutlass and revolver.
/ 'Touch me at your periir'
| Oliver, Field, and the others also draw
/ their swords.
/ You are mad, Amyas ask you for the
last time to submit" says Oliver, 'if only
! for the sake of your deluded friends. You
are the weaker party, and are sure to Be
worsted."
tTo be continus6.l
!