The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-04-11
CHAPTER x.
SAILOR MANS RIDE.

CHAPTER K.
SAILOR MANS RIDE.
The night was cold and raw. with a
northeast wind, which brought occasional
showers of sieet. There was no moon
The street, as the old woman walked up
to the castle, was quite deserted, all the
women and girls being seated at home
about bright coal fires, knitting, sewing.
and spinning, while all the men were at
the ale house, telling stories or listening
to them, an occupation of which the male
sex is never wearied, especially when beer
or rumbo, with tobacco, accompanies the
stories.
Nan climbed up the castle hill, and,
passing through the ruined gate, began to
pick her way slowly among the stones and
heaps of rubbish lying about in the castle
yard The light of the fire in the fugle-
mans chamber was her guide, and she
knew very well that just beside the door
of that room would be lurking Strong
Dan, with intent to seize her by the waist
and carry her off Perhaps he designed to
carry her in his arms all the way to the
Border This thought pleased her very
much. Dan was quite able to do it, and
the distance is only thirty five miles or so.
1t pleased her to think of such ride in
the Strong Mans arms, and how tired he
would be at the end.
Accordingly, when she drew near the
door she went very slowly, and was not
in the least surprised when, as she stood
in the fire light, the man stepped from
some hiding place at hand, caught her BY
the waist. and tossed her lightly over LIE
shoulder, making no more account of her
weight than if she had been mere bag of
meal.
Now, Mistress" he said, "struggle
and kick as much as you like. 1t don't
hurt me-"
She cheerfully acceded to this request,
and began so vigorous drumming upon
his ribs that, had they not been tougher
than the hoops of the stoutest cask, they
must have been broken, every one. AS ii
was, hewas surprised, and perhaps bruised
a little, but not hurt. He had not thought
that young girl like myself had such
power in her heels.
''Go on, he said; you're strong 'un.
and like you better for it. Kick away.
but don't try screaming, because if you
do shall have to tie your pretty head in
a bag. Master Mathews orders, not my
wish. Besides, what's the use of pretend
ing, when there's nobody here but you
and me, bless your pretty eyes! know
all about it, and here's honor for you to
be carried off. nothing less. by your own
man. Why, there isn't another woman
in Warkworth that he'd take so much
trouble for. Think upon that. Now, then,
miss, another kick, or dozen, if you like.
All, you can kick, you can. You're wife
worth having A happy man he'll be.
Lord, it would take the breath out O.
most, that last kick would Why, I'll
swear there not woman in all NOrthum.
berland with such kick as yours Keep
it up
Thus talking, while she drummed with
her heels, he slowly carried her through
the dark gateway, picking his feet among
the stones.
Outside the castle. beyond the great
gate, another man was waiting for them,
wrapped in great cloak. 1t was Mathew
Humble He had been drinking, and his
speech was thick.
Now he said, Selling the prisoner
by the arm, you are in my power Es-
cape is impossible. If you cry out-but
am your master now, and for the rest of
your life l mean to be- You have got to
be an obedient wife. Do you hear? I've
had enough of your contempt and your
sneers You'll write to the boy, will you,
mistress? Ha! Fine opportunities you will
have on the way to Scotland tonight.
Ho! The boy will be pleased when he
hears of this nights job, won't her"
Come, mistress" said Dan. setting her
down gently, heres the place and here's
the ponies. and if you like. just for the
look of the thing and out of kindness, as
body may say, to rax me cuff or
clout, why-don't think | mind it. Oh,
Lordr"
1t was kind and thoughtful invitation.
and it was followed by so vigorous, direct.
and well planted blow that he reeled.
Lord" he cried again, Il believe she's
knocked half my teeth down my throat
Who the devil would ha' thought slip
of girl Why, even Nan herself
He asked for no more clouts, but kept
at respectful distance.
There were half dozen ponies, all
loaded in readiness for the road Mathew.
Dan, and the boy they called Cuddy, were
to conduct the expedition, the two latter
on foot, the first on pony back There
was also pony with saddle, designed, ]
suppose. for me.
Now. Drusilla said Mathew. "get up:
there is long journey before us and no
time to spare. silence.
whether we meet friend or stranger
! Silence, l say, Or He shook pistol
| in her face
She drew the hood more closely down
and pretended to shrink in alarm. Then
without any more resistance, she climbed
into the saddle, and took the reins from
Mathews hands.
That's a good beginning" he said.
Ny be you have como to your senses and
know what is best for yourself. And
bark We. my lass, if you behave pretty.
we'll send Barbara to the devil. If YOU