Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-05-09

Gshman l saw was Denzii 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"
Gomez said Nab, giving me her hand;
and we went out into the darkness.
"Whither3" I asked.
"You will see. Quicki 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 fact; and
giving the crowd a wide berth, we went
round to the rear of the building, which
we found silent and deserted. 1t was.
however, easy for Nab, who knew all the
ms and outs, to gain admittance, and we
entered unperceived, by wicket opening
into corridor which gave access to the
great hall, where we could see all that
went on without ourselves being seen.
Torches of resinOus wood. stuck in
brackets, threw a lurld 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 q
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 fGctO pro-
tector of the commonwealth, and l will
maintain my rights against all comers."
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.
"You 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"
sit is all a base intrigue. The right is
obsolete, and | refuse to recognize it,"
you set the Council at defiance, thenH
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, 1 should like to know" de-
mands Amyas, insolently.
81 WILL" says Oliver, stepping forward
with dignity. "You had better submit
quietly, Amyas."
''Oh yes: very notwithstanding his
sword, an example which is followed by
his partisans, among whom I perceived
Bolsover, armed with cutlass and revolver
''Touch me at your perill''
Oliver, Field, and the others also draw
their swords.
"You are mad, Amyas. Task you for the
last time to submit" says Oliver, eff only
for the sake of your deluded friends. You
are the weaker party, and are sure to be
worsted."