The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-09-14

again TO the nader and started wearily
TO mount the ladder. In the loft above
1 found straw pallet, upon which threw
myself down without removing so muc b
as my sword, and was soon overcome
with siumber. i was awakened, after
what seemed but few minutes, by the
sound of mems voices in the rooms be-
low; and filled with apprehension, crept
quietly TO the trap door and partly raised
the lid. i was hugely taken aback by
what saw, though the sight was but q
natural one in the SAD case I'm which the
Kings own loyal men at that time found
themselves A burly, ed-faced sergeant
and two troopers, all dressed in the rebel
uniform, had entered the bouse and were
engaged in lively conversation with. the
old woman who had shown me kindness
II tell ye, )" she was saying, there s
none that ye seek in here.
''This gives you the lie, old woman, 4"
said the Sergeant; and with sneer he
dug his sword into cloak which |, with
sad lack of forethought, had left to lie
upon a bench, and held 1t up on the point.
This Is no raiment of a servant of the
Lord"
With a cry of despair the old dame
shrank back and covered her vizened
face with her hands. The Sergeant took
a step in the direction of the ladder, but
the young maiden, who until that mo-
ment had remained seated, rose majestic
ally and barred his way.
''Stay" she cried. "You have no
right to tier or to search this dwelling,
poor though 1t be, except this old dame
bid you. Wherefore, then, do ye come?
You have conquered In the combat, you
have killed and captured many thousands
OF the Kings brave men-why seek ye
more?"
The Sergeant gazed upon the indignant
girl with the most unmistakable admi-
ration glowing on his fieshy face. "By
my faith, he said, with smirk, "a
comeiy damsel! and such a one, il seems,
as the Lord reserves for his own electl'
And with that he would have touched
her face. But the blood rushed hot TO
my cheek at the thought of the indig-
nifty, and drawing my sword, made short
work of the ladder and appeared pell-mell
In the midst OF them.
For moment my sudden and unexpect-
ed advent threw the three men into some
confusion, but quickly recovering from
their surprise they rushed upon me with
drawn swords. Parrying a fierce blow
which the foremost trooper dealt at me,
got under his guard and passed my blade
through his right lung.
"A brave thrusti"
AS the man fell, his two com rades
dropped back. and had an instant o
ook around. The maiden stood beside
ne, Watching the conflict with brightly
iashing eyes; her bosom heaved, her
whole form was alive with the keenest
excitement. Truly, II was no peasant
)lood which ran in her. ga brave
hrustlo she cried again.
"The Kingl" l shouted, ''the King, and |
confusion TO his enemiesi"
Somewhat taken aback by the death OF |
heir comrade, the two remaining men !
eemed in no great hurry to renew the |
ombat. But i placed my back to the
vail and stood on guard awaiting their
onslaught, and when they held back /
aunted them for towards. looked again
oward the maiden, and she gave me
lance which set my heart a-throbbing
aster than had the flashing swords. Pres
Etly, recovering something OF their lost
ourage, the two men again approached,
'ut this time with less fury and more
method. The trooper came first and en-
aged me, while the sergeant remained
tanding behind, ready 10 spit me under
lis companions arm If opportunity
hould offer. For some moments there