Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1894-05-07

to the other side of the hollow, which
commanded a view of the hill, and saw
the faithful lovers already halfway up
the side, at a distance which showed
the folly of continuing the pursuit.
They looked at one another.
BEST give it up, skipper" said one
OF them addressing the man in uni
form. "'Tis a smart youngster. and
has beaten us cleverly. What then?
One can easily find stout hearts for
King George elsewhere, and l bear no
malice"
"Nor ]" said the second.
The skipper eyed each in turn with
contempt which he made no effort
to conceal No creature is SO touchy
about his dignity as petty officer.
mighty fne," he sneered, "but
you may as we'll keep your sentimentst
to yourself; they won't suit his
majesty's navy Besides, the scamp
struck me in the execution of my
duty"
"Oh, as to that, if you're going to
drag private quarrels into our bust
ness, why, 'tis neither here nor there;
and if You ask my opinion, skipper, 1
say, after the bother we've had al
ready, it's sheer waste of patience to
go on. Evidently the lad and the lass
know the country well, and will lead
us q rare FOOLS dance before we have
chance of parting them. Small blame
to either of them i'm their place |
would do the same"
And the speaker folded his arms,
and glared defiance
The skipper felt like captain whose
crew revolts, and his astonishment
quickly turned to anger, but he
bridled his wrath.
"How do you know what my design
is?" said he. 'Do you take me for a
clown, bent on wasting my own vaiu-
able time and yours into the bargain ?
We have only to wait Il little, and the
man, or most likely the girl, will be
forced to go back to the village for
food they can't sit and starve on the
hill. Thank your stars that you have
to do with n man who understands his
business, for your worthless wits would
never keep your skins whole for sin
gle hour" He looked round with n
sudden start as he ended. 'Lie down,
both of you," he said peremptorily.
The gesture and command was SO
significant that the men dropped on
the green in mute obedience then the
skipper advanced little way, and, at
the risk of being observed, scanned
the road closely. No, his eyes had
not deceived him.
At bend in the path, he saw Lucy
coming quickly along towards the
place where he stood. He waited TO
make sure. and then turned round wi tn
triumph written on every line of his
face.
1t was as he had guessed Deaf for
once to the prayers of her lover, Lucy
had insisted on venturing back alone.
Strong in her love she feared nothing.
"They dare not harm me-" she said
proudly, and so broke away from him
with last embrace and a promise to
return after sunset.
The skipper made sign to his men,
and went forward to meet her. The
others reluctantly followed him. TIC
do them justice. they were ashamed
of their work.
Absorbed in thought, Lucy took no
notice of them till they actually met,
and even then her look was quiet and
composed; no changing color betok-
ened fear. But when she saw the
fierce eyes of the skipper fixed steadily
upon her, then, indeed her courage
almost failed.
She looked at each of them in turn
and then waited.
"You are the girl that was with that
man while ago?" the skipper began.
"Where is he now?"
Lucy made no answer.
"Are you his sister, or his sweet
heart which? Best speak the truth,
or it will be worse for you in the end"
''Bravely said, retorted Lucy scorn-
fully. Then she paused. The thought
crossed her mind that it would be
wiser to conciliate than defy him. az
have done no more than have right
to do" she went on. "After all that
has passed, you surely cannot expect
me to stoop to betrayal.
This time no one answered; she
slipped quickly past the skipper, and
quickened her pace. But he soon
overlook her. "Come, my lass it is
idle to jest with us; be not so foolish
as that" He reflected moment.
"Mates, said he, my life on it, but
our birds not far off. l have taken
thought, and l mind me OF that
windmill we passed yesterday. Lets
have look at it the chance is worth
trying for. D."
She turned pale directly. This
change of countenance did not escape
him, "You must accompany us,
lass.
He caught her by the arm. AS she
felt the touch of his hand she drew
back. "Release me, and l will go
with you," she said quietly.
The party walked on in silence till
they reached the clearing in front of
the mill door. Here the skipper bade
them stop, and warned them to keep
near him. He then lifted the latch
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