New-York tribune., 1895-06-23
] I

Cicey went into her bedroom where every
thing had been made ready for her. In wh'r
of delight and excitement Who could this en-
chanting parsonage be? she pondered; evidently
a man of the first rank accustomed TO the high
est society-a duke perhaps-how glad she was
she had met him. The acquaintance must not
stop here. and with that she began 10 comb out
her long fair tresses and make ready for bed. AZ
she had brough. little handbag with her from
her carriage containing all toilet nocessaries
She did not hurry herself. thinking ever her
pleasant adventure Night was far advanced
and all sounds had ceased in the house when AT
last she prepared to lie down.
But just at that moment she the tapestry
move behind which she knew there was door
leading to the servants quarters and from this
entrance there emerged. to her great amaze
ment Mrs Winton's old housekeeper. Benson
whom che knew well. The good woman seemed
to be in a sad plight her cap was awry, her
gray hair hung loose about her perturbed 'oun-
tenance and her eyes were red with weeping.
why, Benson. is 1t you?' exclaimed cicely.
Il thought you had gone to London with your
mistress; but what I'm the world il the matter,
you look quite scared"'
And well | may be-" she exclaimed. ning!ng
I'D her arms. after all have gone through this
dreadful day. and now 70 make bad worse. find
you. my poor young lady. dragged into this den
Of robbers"
A
you possibly mean. Benson?'
"Ah, the villains deceived you finely. my poor
young madam, | could see 1t. with all his airs
and graces: but you have got into the hands of a
gang of highwaymen. Ay, and the very worst
there are on the road. They knew the mistress
was away. and they broke into the house by the
back entrance. and took possession Of everything
yaua bic in II: they locked me up In my room and
dared to make sOund-they said they'd
strangle me If | did. and they would. sure
enough but they did not know there So
nd |
knock. madam, slipped ont and looked over the
stairs hoping 1t was the soldiers come after them.
and when | saw it was you getting into their
clutches nearly swOoned. but | could do moth
ing Till night came. and they were all snoring
after their carouse-and then stole out 10 warn
you; 1t drove me nearly wild TO sec you going to
supper so quietly with their Infamous captain.
Ciccy stood transnxed with astonishment for
n few moments and felt Mortified at the ambush
into which she had fallen: but when she recalled
her host Of the evening. the whole story seemed
incredible.
But Benson" she exclaimed. "are you sure
there is mistake? He was a most perfect gen
teman with whom had supper; surely 1t Is i'm
possible that he could be a highwayman.
Couldn't he" said the old woman. her voice
rising TO a shrek; shall tell you who he Is
Captain Rookie the cruel. murderous villain. and
no else"
Captain Rooker'
Cicey fell back In her chair overcome with dis
may She knew the name well. for lie was the
most notorious character among all the high
waymen who infested the English roads al
that time, not only was n" tne mOSl
daring and merciless Of robbers. exercising un-
limited control all who were given up &c
the same Infamous trade but his indomitable
energy and clcvcrness had enabled him TO set al
pursuit at defiance, and his hands were not free
from the blood Of several poor soldiers who had
been sent out to capture him from time 10 time
Added 10 this. his history and origin gave him a
certain prestige which excited universal interest
In all his proceedings.
Every one who heard o. him and trembled al
the sound Of MS assumed name was well aware
/ that ne was the younger son Of a nobleman. who
had left his home In consequence OF quarrel
with his father. and taken TO the road. both as
"a means OF living and outlet for the wild ad
venturous spirit that codld not rest content ir
quiet or decorous mode OF existence The very
sound OF his name inspired terror in all who
heard It, although some traits Of chivary had
been reported OF him. when ne encountered ladies
In the carriages he pillaged on the road.
And ! have actually been sitting at supper
with the infamous Captain Rookie exclaimed
Cicely. IL would sooner have died than shared
his bread and salt II / had known it: but h,
seemed the very pink OF courtesy and refinement
| However from his manner tonight do not
think he will prevent me from going away TO
morrow as my carriage comes for me.
will give notice to the authorities In the ncarcs
! town Benson. so that they may send troop I,
protect YOU and clear the house OF these villains
| no doubt they will capture them all"
"Not a chance of that madam said the ole
| woman. ruefuy: they'll be off the first moment
| they can in the morning and take their booty
| with them; did you not see lot OF packages an(
boxes piled up in the hall? That IL poor Mime
| Wintons plate. and every valuable they could LAY