The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1892-04-09
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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 Rexthorpes 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 ear and hearing her shy answer
in response.
One day Michaels countenance was
full of triumph. 81 have found them"
cried he. Il have found them. l am
not quite certain Of eternal youth, for
that will be a gradual process; but Of
the waters of oblivion / have no doubt
have, however, hit upon a sure means
Of testing the latter and viii 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.
II 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 murmure( the arch
er in impassioned tones; "will you not
exchange this dull tower and the harsh
words of your guardian for the sweet
retreats of the merry greenwood?
"The prior of St. Williston's chapel is
ready to join our band and my trusty
comrades will give you a hearty well
come. Fly with me, then, and do not
waste your young life here"
For awhile the maiden hesitated, and
then with 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, gadaboutg"
said he, with an angry frown, "and
where is that oaf of bowman? Send
him hither and l will hasten him up by
partaking Of a cup Of strong waters with
him before ne goes forth on his quest
Michael placed the goblets at separate
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
hghtninglike rapidity she reversed the
positions of the cups; then fastening to
her lover she whispered 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 Rexthorpe," said the forester.
II can lay my hands upon fair white
doe in half an hour"
"'Tis WE'LL" answered Rexthorpe,
rubbing his hands; "but before thou
goest drain this, twill hearten thee up.
The forester tossed off the contents Of
the goblet and was about to leave the
room when the old man said, "Whither
goest thou, Hob?"
''To 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
chaice 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.