The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-10-13

heu dt the dmDLSs inIo WHICH size ndo
fallen. but when she recalled her host
of the evening the Whole story seemed
Incredible.
But, Benson" she exclaimed. 'are
/ you sure there is no mistake? He was
a perfect gentlema1 vith whom / had
supper; surely it is impossible that he
could be a highwa. man"
Couldn't he" saa . the old woman, her
voice rising to q Shrek; shall 1 tell
you who he is?-captain Rookie, the
cruel. murderous villain, and no one
else"
Captain Rooke.'
Cicely fell back in her chair, overcome
with dismay. She knew the name well,
for he was the most notorious character
among all the highwaymen who infested
the English roads at that time. Not
only was he the most daring and merci-
less of robbers. exercising unlimited
control over al who were given uD to
the same infamous trade, but his in
domitable energy n cleverness had
enabled him to set all pursuit at de-
fiance. and his hands were not free from
the blood of several poor soldiers who
had been sent out to capture him from
time to time. Added to MS his history
and origin gave him a certain prestige
which excited universal interest in all
his proceedings.
Every one who heard of him and
trembled at the sound of his assumed
name was WEI. aware InaC ne was the
younger son of a nobleman, who had
left his home in consequence of a quarrel
with his father and taken to the road,
both as a means of living and an outlet
for the wild adventurous spirit that
could not rest content in r. quiet or
decorous mode Of existence. The very
sound of his name inspired terror in all
who heard it. although some traits of
chivalry had been reported of him when
he encountered ladies in the carriages
he pillaged on the road.
And I have actually been sitting at
supper with the infamous Captain
Rookie" exclaimed Cicely. ST would
sooner have died than shared his bread
and salt if / had known it; but he
seemed the very pink Of courtesy and
refinement. However, from his manner
tonight / do not think he will prevent
me from going away tomorrow as soon
as my carriage comes for me. I will
give notice to the authorities in the
nearest town. Benson. SO that they may
send a troop to protect you and clear
the house of these villains. No doubt
they will capture them ALL"
Not a chance Of that. madam" said
the old woman. ruefully; they'll be off
the first moment they can in the morn
ing. and take their booty with them.
Did you not see a lot of packages and
boxes niIed up in the ha1I? That is poor
Nine. Winton's plate and every valuable
tney cOul0 lay tnelr ndnOS on. gold
watches. Jewels. clocks, and even the
silver cup mistress uses at her meals"
"The ~scoundrels," exclaimed Cicelv:
what a miserable home coming it will
be for poor Mrs. Winton to find her
house swept clean of all her most
precious goods. Well, there is nothing
to be done tonight. You must stay
with me, Benson, and bolt and bar the
DOORS"
"I do not believe as they'll modest
YOU. madam; that vile CAPTAIN Roche
l sees 6u fw 7 ea eno on11 p sqap y y;m the I co snn
rises. AS soon as it's daylight these
robbers will be astir, and if they find
out / have been to denounce them to
you they'll strange me as they said"
Cicely did not attempt to go to bed;
she sat at the window all night. watch
ing eagerly for the dawn. At the first
CLEAN of light Benson slipped back to
her prison, and about an hour later Miss
Greatorex saw 70 her infinite relief the
approach of her carriage along the ave-
nue. and heard 1t drive up to the door.
At once she put on her hat. threw the
long train of her riding habit over her
arm. and with the eold-mounted switch
in her hand she walked down into the
hall.
There she was met by her entertainer
of the evening before. looking undenia-
bly, handsome and dignifed as with a
charming smile he bowed low before
her.
"J see the carriage is come which is
to denrive me of a lovely vision" he
said. "but Nine. Greatorex will. i hope.
honor me with her sweet moan to
breakfast before proceeding on her
way"
Cicely looked around and saw that
they were alone. lone Of the robber
band being near. and then gave free
vent to the passion of scorn and indig-
| nation which nOSSpSS66 her
Captain Rookie" she said. in a clear,
ringing voice. eff I had known who you
were last night I would sooner ave cut
off my right hand than sat down to
stained by deeds of blood and infamy.
a robber. IN assassin. living on rapine
and theft. How can yOu-hOw can yOu,"
she continued. stamping her little foot
on the ground: You the descendant of
noble ancestors; horn to an unsullied
name which never was furnished till
YOU diseraced it; how can you degrade
the very manhood within you by a low
life of crime and treachery?" She could
not go on. FACILITATING as she was from
anger and excitement. The man before
her had grown crimson to the temples.
hut he could not help admiring the
dauntless girl as she flung her scornful
words in his very face. There was some
thing in her look. her voice which re-
strained his passionate temper. although
iO ule ildu ever cO utllOuuCtu ulf1 WIFI
immunity.
"vou are severe Nine. Greatorex." he
said, hoarsely. "but you do not know
the excuse I had for taking TO this life.
My father cast me out and told me never
to cross his threshold again. If even he
would have given me money to support
me how could I take it from a man who
had insulted me? Homeless. penniless.
what course was onen to me but the
free life of the road?'
You might have gone as a sailor he
fore the mast or as a private in the
army: YOU might have broken stones by
the wavside, or Won might have died:
better death than dishonor.' and with
burning cheeks in her fiery Indignation.
while her dainty head was carried high
with a naughty gesture. she turned her
back on him and walked swiftly to the
outer door. He followed and hastily
opened il for her in silence. and then
she went down the steps and entered
her carriage. "Drive on. Jasper" she
said: 'let the horses shake the dust
from their feet at their utmost speed as
thev leave this polluted house."
The coachman obeyed. Captain Rookie
stood bareheaded on the steps, hat in
hand. and bowed in his most >courtly
manner but Cicely made nc response;
| she took not the slightest notice of him..
and in q moment she was horne swiftly