The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1892-01-14

uaUuT6 never nave given MIN CfeUlL
for he carried on his shoulders fat doe,
which he humbly offered to Michael Rex
thorpe, as a tribute from one who, though
ignorant was devoted admirer of learn
ing.
The cunning old man fathomed the hand.
some forester'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 a 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 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 unaccustomed toll was
amply repaid by the opportunity of breath.
ing his love into SYPHILIS ear, and hearing
her shy answer in response
One day Michael's countenance was full
of triumph. II have found them, " cried he,
81 have found them. | am not quite Ger
tain of eternal youth, for that Will be a
gradual process, but of the waters of oh.
livion | 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 FASTENED 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 quaf YOUTH" said he, while the
archer shall drain the cup of oblivion to
the dregS."
Meanwhile, the lovers were engaged in
earnest conversation beneath Il 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.
"The prior of St Wulfstan's chapel is
ready to join CIR hand, and my trusty
comrades will give you hearty welcome.
Fly with me, then, and do not waste your
young life here"
For awhile the maiden hesitated and
then with deep blush consented to follow
her lover.
They returned, and 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 a bowman? Send him hither, and
will hasten him up by partaking of a cur
of strong waters with him. before he goes
forth on his quest"
Michael placed the goblets at separate
ends of the table and then shambled out o
the room AS he did so the girl caught I
malicious twinkle in his eye, which RAISED
her suspicious, and with lightninglikt
rapidity she reversed the positions of tn,
cups; then, fastening to her lover, sh
whispered few words in his ear.
He nodded and in Il few seconds entere,
the room, where the seeker after the mys
teries of the occult was in waiting.
you want some venison, hear, Mastel
Rexthorpe," said the forester. 81 can la.
my hands upon fair white doe in half III
hour"
'"Tis WELL" answered ReXthorpe, rub
bling his hands, but before thou goes
drain this, twill hearten thee up"
The forester tossed off the contents o
the goblet and was about to leave tn
room, when the old man said, "Whithe
goest thou, Hob?"
ITO the broken cross" answered the for
ester
Good; he hath forgotten all about TIL
doe" said Michael gleefully. "The potion
works already; now for my change"
He drained off the contents of the chal
ice, and fell stricken by death, while tn
forester and the maiden journeyed on t.
where light and happiness awaited them
for love has been ever the spring of etern.,
youth, while it is only deaths hand tina
can brew the liquor which fills the cup o
oblivion.-Sir Gilbert Campbell, Bart, il
Boston Globe.