Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1892-02-26

nature would never have given him credit
| for he carried on his shoulders fat doe,
which he humbly offered to Michael Rex
thorpe, as n tribute from one who, though
ignorant. was devo5ed admirer of learn
ing.
The cunning old man fathomed the hand
some forestss's motive in moment, but he
was not one to cast away gifts even though
he felt in his heart that Hob of the Butts
had magnet in Sybil Tressider; he re-
ceived him graciously and accepted the
present.
Sybil and the forester had now many op-
portunities of meeting, and strong feel
ing of affection sprung 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 n new life for Hob of the
Butts; his former sylvan haunts and CAV
companions knew h m not, for he became
Michael Rexthorpe's drudge, a mere newer
of wood and drawer of water, and vet he
felt that this unsccustomed toll was
amply repaid by the opportunity of breath
ing his love into Sy bil's ear, and hearing
her shy answer in response.
One day Michael's countenance was full
Of triumph. 81 have found them" cried he.
81 have found them. l am not quite GER
tain of eternal youth, for that will be a
gradual process, but of the waters of OBJ
livion | have no doubt. | have however,
hit upon sure means of testing the latter,
lnd will do so on that jolter headed archer,
and see if it will make him forget Sybil"
He FASTENED away to the keeping room
of the tower with the silver goblets, each
containing a small quantity of some liquid,
f,,I
II will quaff youth" said he. while the
archer shall drain the cup of oblivion to
| the dregs."
Meanwhile, the lovers were engaged in
earnest conversation beneath pink May
tree, which grew on The south side of the
tower.
Have you not made up your mind yet,
dearest Sybil," murmured the archer, in
imprisoned tones, will 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. Wulfstan's chapel is
ready to join our hand, and my trusty
comrades will give you a hearty welcome
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 follow
her lover
They returned, ard as she entered the
keeping room she saw her guardian care
fully placing two silver goblets upon the
table.
Where hast thou been. gadabout?" said
he, with an angry frown, land where is that
oaf of Il bowman? Send him hither, and
will hasten him up by partaking of cup
of strong waters with him before he goes
forth on his quest"
Michael placed the goblets at separate
ends of the table ant then shambled out OF
the room. AS he did so the girl caught
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 few words in his ear
He nodded and in few seconds entered
the room, where the seeker after the mys-
teries of the occult was in waiting
You want some venison, | hear, Master
Rexthorpe," said the forester. al can lay
my hands upon fair white doe in half an
hour"
"Tis WELL" answ cred Rexthorpe, rub
bling 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
rooh' when Tue OH man Sald, w nlther
goest thou, Hob?"
'To the broken cross" answered the for
ester
Good; he hath forgotten all about the
doe" said Michael gIeefully 1.-The potion
works already; now for my change"
He drained off the contents of the chal-
ice, and fell stricken by 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 Campbell, Bart. in
Boston Globe.