Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1891-03-05
CHAPTER ".
TAKE TIE EOAp.


So puffed up WAS 10y the condescension of
the two princes and rly head so busy with
big thoughts that not til was over the
bridges aul climbing the high ground beyond
South Hincksey with shrcwd northeast
wind at my back could | spare time for a
second backward look By this the city lay
spread at my feet. very delicate and beauti-
full in a silver network, it'll a black clump
or two to southwark, where the line of Bag
lev trees ran below the lill pulled out the
letter that Anthony had given me. In the
moonlight the brown smear of his blood was
plain to see, running across the superscrip-
ton:
ITO our trusty and well beloved Sir Ralfth
Hopton, at our Army in Cornwall-these."
Twas no more than looked for; yet the
sight of it and the kings red seal quickened
my step as | set off again. And cared not
straw for Dr. Kettles wrath on the NOR
row.
Having no desire to fall in with any of the
royal outposts that lay around Abingdon,
fetched well away to the west, meaning to
shape my course for Faringdon, and so into
the great Bath road. It's not my purpose to
describe at any length MY itinerary, but
rather to reserve my pen for those more NOV
Ing events that overlook me later. Only in
the uncertain light l must have taken
wrong turn to the left q think near Bessels-
leigh that led me round to the south; for,
coming about day break to a considerable
town, 4 found it to be- not Faringdon, but
Vantage There was - help for it, so | set
about inquiring for bed. The town was
full, and already astir with preparations for
for cattle fair; and neither at the Bear nor
the Three Nuns" was there bed to be had
But at length at the Boot" tavern-a small
house, found one just vacated by a couple
Of drovers, and having cozened the chamber
maid to allow me n clean pair of sheets, went
up stairs very urowsily, and in five minutes
was sleeping sound.
awOke amid clatter of voices, and be-
held the room full of womankind.
Hes waking" said one.
Its pity, too, TO be afflicted thus-and
he such pretty young manp
This came from the landlady, who stood
close, her hand shaking my shoulder roughly.
whats amiSs!" ] asked, rubbing my eyes.
"Why, It's three of the afternoon"
"Thsn I'll get up, as soon as you retire.
"Ludi we've been trying to wake thee this
hour p,.st; but twas sleep-sleepl"
III get up, tell you"
Thought thee'd ba' slept through the bed
and right through to the floor" said the
chambermaid by the door, tittering.
Unless you pack and 60 I'll step out
amongst you adl!'
Nhereat they fed with mock squeals call
ing out that the very thought made them
blush, and left me to dress.
Down stairs | found a giants breakfast
spread for lne, and ate the whole, and felt
the better for it, and thereupon paid my
scot, resisting the landlady's endeavor to
charge me double for the bed, and walked
out TO see the town.
Take care o. thyser," the chambermaid
bawled after me; nor flourish thy attain
ments abroad, lest they put thee in showP
Dark was coming on fast; and to my cha
grin tor had intended purchasing horse
the buying and selling of the fair were over,
the cattle pens broken up, and the dealers
gathered round the fiddlerS, ballad singers
and gingerbread stalls. There were gaming
booths, too, driving 4 brisk trade at shovel
board, all fours and costly colors; and an
eating tent, whence issued q thick reek Of
cooking and rattle of plates. Over the en-
trance, l remember, was set notice: Dame
Allaway, from Bartholomew fair. Here are
the best geese, and she does them as well as
ever she did" jostled my way along, keep
ing tight hold on my pockets, for fear Of cut
purses; when presently, about half way down
the street, there sro=e the noise If si.u' i.-.
The crowd made q res. b towards il; cr :l5
minute was left alone. staudii.- IT,.
Juggler who had sword half way down bis
throat, and had to draw it out again before
he could with any suficiency curse the de-
lection OF his audience; but offered 70 pun
ant tooth for me- II I waut1sd IL
I lsf5 h;u md. Eunninz afheE The crowd.