St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1894-06-17


UNDER THE KNIGHTS GUIDANCE
some manner my horses have been taken
from my stable, by Gramarye, 1 believe, else
we would ride"
"Oh, l an a good walker, sir" 1 said,
springing to my feet, anxious to be away
from the lonely garden and the shadow of
the hedge, and out in the road, where surely
could find help if I needed it.
81 am ready to go, sir
On this the poor gentleman flung his cloak
over his shoulder, and lifting my basket in
his left hand, took the tips of my fingers in
his right, and holding his arm stiffly stretch
ed from his body proceeded to conduct me
to the garden gate.
Outside was smooth road, we'll cared for
and bordered by trees. Handsome old
houses seemed hidden away in the gardens,
and there was good path for pedestrians on
either side. This, however, did not suit my
companion, who preferred to take the middle
of the road down which he conducted me in
a slow, minuet step, with frequent bows and
waves of the basket, by way of assuring me
that We We're approaching our destination.
most ludicrous spectacle we must have
offered to those who saw US, and now
and then a litter or a suppressed laugh
came from one of the gardens. 1t was early
however, and people were, I presume, mostly
at breakfast, and we did not meet any one in
the road, until with whisk and rush gay
little butchers cart dashed about the corner,
driven by rosy youth in wonderfully
clean white apron and over-sleeves, who
checked his speed On seeing US, and after
staring at us moment with his round, blue
eyes. called out:
II say, Don, what are you doing to that
young lady2 Ii you want help, say SO, miss,
and Pm your man."
As he spoke, he jumped out of the cart and
came toward us, with an evident view to my
rescue.
But my companion, dropping my hand,
drew his sword and flew toward him.
GLOW, slayer of kine,'' he shouted, sdost
thou dare interfere with my progress to the
abode of peace? Dare offer thy protection to
this damsel? Thy gore shall be the price,"
81 say, miss, you can cut while I keep him
busy" shouted the butcher boy, Selling
stick that lay near, and parrying the poor
gentlemans sword thrusts very cleverly.
''He can't hurt me, and won't hurt him.
Come on then, Don, if you want trouble,
come on" and he d-humoredly whacked
away with the stick.
I left the two apparently engaged in mortal
combat, but had not gone far before my
self-appointed guardian appeared, bringing
my basket with him. had, for my part,
utterly forgotten it in my fright.
81 have put the caitiff to fight without
spilling his blood, which had been 10th to
| do" he said, s'and here we are, thank the
powers that have led US safely through these
dangers, arrived at our destination
As he spoke he designated, with wave of
his sword, which he had not yet sheathed,
very plain, two-story building, perfectly fiat
in front, with three windows on the right Of
the door and three on the left, garden with
a well moved lawn and row of poplars
thanking the house, some benches painted
drab placed here and there, and prim beds of
old-fashioned flowers along the line of
wooden palings.
s'This is the abode of peace" said he, and
then, so suddenly that he made me start
violently, he uttered wild shout of: "What
no within there; what no! Inform the lady
abbess that there are those without who
would fain speak with her."
As this shout filled the air, number of
faces appeared at the three windows to the
left of the door. They were all alike, it
seemed to me, prim little girl faces with fair
skins, wide open eyes, the hair cropped and
covered with borderless caps of white net,
and all dressed in high-necked and long
sleeved aprons, without ruffles or edging.
At the same moment the door opened and
an elderly Quakeress stepped out upon the
porch. She was small and upright and at
tired like the children in gray linen and
borderless cap, only her costume was gown
and not pinafore.
t'Friend Hoty, thee is making rather more
noise than is necessary" she said mildly
"Whom does thee wish to see?"
"Thou myself, oh, gentle abbess," said the
| poor gentleman, bowling low.
eff thee means me, am Ruth Warrington.
as Ihave told thee before, said the Quakeress.
81 hope thee will remember that. What does
thee wish me to do, friend Hoty?"
Madam" said the gentleman, waving his
| hand toward me, "behold a damsel in dis
tress and homeless, exposed to danger from
wandering ruf1ians, as well as to the wiles of
fiery dragons and all the powers of the air.
Knowing that in the abode of peace she might
find shelter, 1 bring her hither."
Every well, will talk to her," said the
Quakeress; 'tthee did right to bring her here,
friend Hoty, very right, and thee is always
welcome. Only hereafter come more calmly,
and do not call me by strange Names" Then
she lifted her voice and called aloud: "Abby.
come here"
A servant as prim as her mistress immedi-
ately appeared at the door.
perhaps friend Hoty will like to take
dish of oatmeal porrdge, said the Quakeress.
81 obey thy command, noble lady," said
the poor gentleman, and followed the servant
into the cool shadow of the house.
''And now I will ask thee IL thee really
needs aid, child?' said the Quakeress turning
to me, set is not easy to be sure; friend Hoty