Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1891-04-02

hanging near the fireplace, nor that oennd
the screen lay heap of the colOnel's riding
boots, whereof pair, ready spurred, lifted
me choicely well; but that my ears tingled
with news that turned my escape to matter
Of public welfare, and also that the way 10
escape lay planned in my head.
ShOd in the colonelis boots / advanced
again to the table. With sealing wax and
the governors seal, that lay handy, closed
up the kings letter and, sticking 1t in my
breast, caught down the bunch Of keys end
made for the door.
The hall was void. l snatched down
cloak and heavy broad brimmed ha: from
one of the pegs and, donning them, slipped
back the bolts of the heavy door. 1t opened
without noise. Then, with last hitch OF
the cloak, to bring it well about me, stepped
forth into the night, shutting the door quietly
on my heels.
Ny feet were on the pavement of the inner
ward Above, one star only broke the black
ness Of the night. Across the court was
sentry tramping. As 1 walked boldly up he
stopped short by the gate between the wards
and regarded me.
Now was my danger. / knew not the right
key for the wicket, and if fuMbled the fell
low would detect me for certain. l choss
one and drew nearer; the fellow looked, sa-
Iuted, stepped to the wicket and opened it
himself.
"Good night, colonel!'
did not trust myself to answer, but passed
rapidly through to the outer ward. Here, to
my Joy, i'll the arched passage of the barbican
gate, was the carriage waiting, the porter
standing besile the door; and here also, to
my dismay, was a torch alight, and under it
half a dozen soldiers chatting. A whisper
passed on my approach-"The colonelh-and
they hurried into the guard room.
GOOD evening, colonelI' The porter bowed
low, holding the door wide.
1 passed him rapidly, climbed into the
shadow of the coach and drew long breath.
Then ensued hateful pause, as the gates
were unbarred. l gripped my knees for inn
patience.
The driver spoke word to the porter, whs
came round to the coach door again
ITO Mistress Finch's, is it nctY'
"Ay,r l muttered; land quickly"
The goodman touched up his pair. The
wheels moved; went quicker. We are outside
the castle.
With what relief leaned back as the castle
gates closed behind usl And with what inn
patience at our slow pace l sat upright again
next minutel The wheels rumbled over the
bridge, and Immediately we were rolling
easily down hill through a street Of some inn
portance; but by this time the shutters were
up along the shop fronts and very few people
abroad At the bottom we turned sharp to
the left along a broader thoroughfare, and
then suddenly drew up.
"Are we comeF I wondered. But no;
twas the city gate, and here we had to wait
for three minutes at least till the sentries rec
ognized the colonel's coach and opened the
doors to us They stood on this side and that,
presenting arms as we ratified through; and
next moment l was crossing broad bridge,
with the dark Avon on either side of me and
the vessels thick thereon, their lanterns cast
ing long lines of yellow on the jetty water,
their maSts and cordage looming up against
tire dull glare of the city
Soon we were between lines of building
once more-shops, private dwellings and
warehouses intermixed; then passed tall
church, and in about two minutes more drew
up again. looked out.
Facing me was narrow gateway landing
to house that stood somewhat back from
the street, as if slipping away from between
the lines of shops that wedged it on either
hand. Over the grill a link was burning. l
stepped from the coach, opened the gate,
and, crossing the small court rang at the
house bell.
At first there was no answer. Irang again,
and now had the satisfaction to hear light
football coming. A bolt was pulled and a
girl Appeared holding candle high in her
hand. Quick as thought stepped past her
into the passage
"Delial"
Jack"
"Hist! Close the door Where is Mistress
Finch"
up stairs, expecting Col. Essex. Oh, the
happy dayl Come" She led me into Ear
row back room, and, setting down the light,
regarded me. Jack, my eyes are red for
theel"
Il see they are Tomorrow was to be
banged"
She put her hands together, catching her
breath; and very lovely l thought her, in her
straight gray gown and Puritan cap.
''They have been questioning me. Didst
get my letter"
The answer was on my lip when there came
a sound that made US both start
Twas the dull echoing of a gun firing, up
at the castle.
"Delia, what lies at the back hereT'
"a garden and garden door; after these
lane leading to Redclif street"
81 mus go, this moment"
"And Ir'
She did not wait my answer, but running
out into the passage, she came swiftly back
with heavy key. opened the window.
'Delial De-lia!" Twas a woman's voice
calling her, at the head of the stairs
GAY, Mistress Finch"
"Who was at the doorT"
sprang into the garden aud held forth q
band to Della. In one moment, mistressl"
called she, and in one moment was hurrying
with me across the dark garden beds As
she fitted her key to the garden gate heard
the voice again
"De-liai"
Twas drowned in a wild rat-a-tatI on the
street door and the shouts of many voices.
We were close pressed
''Now, Jack-to the right, for our livesi
All, these clumsy skirtsl"
We turned into the lane and raced down it.
For my part, l swore TO drown myself in
Avon rather than let those troopers retake
me. heard their outcries about the house
behind US as we stumbled over the frozen
rubbish heaps with which the lane was be-
strewn.
whats our direcfion!" painted l, catching
Delia's hand to help her along.
ITO the left now-for the river"
We struck into a narrow side street, and
with that heard a Waterman bawl:
Past nine o. the night, an aI'-
The shock Of our collision sent him to In
ish his say in the gutter.
tsThieyesIn he yelled