, 1892-03-09

CTtl OF tIeTlhl yOuIu anu Inc NdJSis ,.
oblivion" replied Sybil Tressider.
Hobof Butts looked puzzled "Iknow
not what you mean by the last, said he.
''It is the draft which brings forget
fulness," answered the maiden.
Then Matt Clink often finds that
when he quaffs the nut brown ale" re-
turned the forester, with his merry laugh
~ cannot ask thee in" replied Sybil,
but from the bottom of my heart l
thank thee. l have not met a friend
since | can recollect-"
She turned from him with a sigh and
made her way slowly toward the time
worn tower, which stood like some giant
sentinel watching yer the bleak waste.
In a very few days Hob Of the Butts
again found himself in the vicinity Of
the tower, and with a witness which
those who were acquainted with his
frank and open nature would never hav
given him credit for, he carried on his
shoulders a fat doe, which he humbly
offered to Michael Rexthorpe as a trib-
ute from one who, though ignorant, was
a devoted admirer of learning.
The cunning old man fathomed the
handsome forester's motive in a mo-
ment, but he was not one to cas- away
gifts, even though he felt in his heart
that Hob of the Butts had a magnet in
Sybil Tressider. He received him gra-
ciously and accepted the present.
Sybil and the forester had now many
opportunities of meeting, and a strong
feeling of affection sprang up between
them-not unnoticed by the keen eyes of
Michael.
There were times when he felt inclined
to rend his snow white beard with disap-
pointment.
And now began a new life for Hob of
the Butts. His former sylvan haunts
and gay companions knew him not, for
he became Michael Rexthorpe's drudge,
a mere newer of wood and drawer of
water, and yet he felt that this unac-
customed toll was amply repaid by the
opportunity of breathing his love in
SYPHILIS a and hearing her shy answer
in response.
One day Michael's countenance was
full of triumph. 81 have found themI"
cried he. 81 nave found them. am
not quite certain of eternal youth, for
that will be a gradual process; but of
the waters of oblivion l have no doubt.
| have, however, hit upon a sure means
of testing the latter and will do SO on
that jolter headed archer and see if it
will make him forget Sybil."
He hastened away to the keeping room
of the tower with the silver goblets,
each containing a small quantity of some
liquid, pure and colorless as crystal.
81 will quaff youth" said he, while
the archer shall drain the cup of obliv-
ion to the dregs."
Meanwhile the lovers were engaged in
earnest conversation beneath a pink
May tree, which grew on the south side
of the tower.
Have you not made up your mind
yet, dearest SybilY" murmured the arch
er in imprisoned tones; twill you not
exchange this dull tower and the harsh
words of your guardian for the sweet
retreats of the merry greenwood
1.-The prior of st. Williston's chapel is
ready to join our band and my trusty
comrades will give you n hearty well
come. Fly with me, then, and do not
waste your young life here"
For awhile the maiden hesitated, and
then with a deep blush consented to fol-
low her lover.
They returned, and as she entered the
keeping room she saw her guardian
carefully placing two silver goblets upon
the table.
"Where hast thou been, gadaboutY"
said he, with an angry frown, land
where is that oaf of a bowman? Send
him hither and l will hasten him up by
partaking of a cup of strong waters with
him before he goes forth on his quest"
Micbaal p1aca5 tba 1ph1atS OF caparota
ends of the table and then shambled out
of the room. AS he did so the girl
caught a malicious twinkle in his eye,
which raised her suspicious, and with
lightninglike rapidity she reversed the
positions of the cups; then fastening to
her lover she whispered a few words in
his ear.
He nodded, and in a few seconds en-
tered the room, where the seeker after
the mysteries of the occult was in wait
ing.
"You want some venison, | hear,
Master R~exthorpe," said the forester.
81 can lay my hands upon a fair white
doe in half an hour"
otis WELL" answered R~exthorpe,
rubbing his hands; ''but before thou
goest drain this, twill hearten thee up"
The forester tossed of the contents OF
the goblet and was about to leave the
room when the old man said, WHITTIER
goest thou, Hob"
ITO the broken cross" answered the
forester.
Good. He hath forgotten all about
the doe" said Michael gleefully. THE
potion works already. Now for my
change"
He drained off the contents of the
chalice and fell stricken to death, while
the forester and the maiden journeyed
on to where light and happiness awaited
them, for love has been ever the spring
of eternal youth, while it is only deaths
hand that can brew the liquor which fills
the cup of oblivion.-Sir Gilbert Camp
bell, Bart, in Boston Globe.