Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-04-25
THE RED NIGHT At RAGLAN
Being Tale of Master Roger Selby, Once
Esquire in the Service of His Grace
the Marquis of Worcester.
BY ANNA ROBSON BROWN.
Author of "AIain of Haifdene."
Copyright 1896. by Bachelor. johnson & Bacheller)

Copyright, 1896, by Bachelor. johnson Bacheller)
PART l.
Those of my lord marquis household
who, like my self, were noble, at least
gentle born, were wont to serve him at his
meat, and to remain in attendance until
my lord went into his closet. This was at
high noon; therefore it CHANGED oftentimes
that Scudamore, Clough and others among
my mates were not risen from their meal
until three of the clock. In faith, on this
July eveI,td de, 1915, twas higher four when
we saw the tables bare and ss5 to play at
bowls in the lower pleasaunce. The trou-
blousness of the times rumoring his ma
jestys defeat kept US within bonds, and
the confinement which it occasioned caused
US heayiness of spirit. so that the sport
went but tamely. Truth to tell, 1 was as
deep in the dumps as well could be a stout
lad of saver teen, and was idly kicking my
ball over the clipped turf, when one Of the
pages came to the wicket, crying that ped
dlers were at the great gate with news of
the war. At the word, We were all of,
spurning the grass with our heels, nor were
We late AT the feast, for on near approach
We found old Cooke, the gatekeeper, two
men-at-arms and a score CT idle grooms
holding parley with the chspmen. SCUBA
more and 1 stood aside, hearkening TO the
fellows tale, which, we saddened to
learn lslter on, was a very tissue Of lying,
but which then, as it spoke of victory to
the kings forces, warmed us to the heart.
We of Raglan had been perforce so we'll
kept within wall that We were wearied out
and so gave the tale more credence than
at buster moments. Yet even L, although
/ held the fellows words in a fair belief,
did not spare my doubts, by reason OF his
villanOuS appearance and Shltty eye, ana
was TO less inclined to credit him for the
Of n ra1n NnTEnUar / n
ward Laughing at the simplicity OF mis- au-
der ce. who stood about with their mouths
agape swallowing the tale as twere their
small beer. and breaking in with rever-
entail oh" ''ah!' marry nowr' as though
the peddler were no less than Prince Ru-
pert
Cooke was such an old shrew that 1 was
not Ioath to behold him so gulled, and fell
to much laughter when the peddler was
borne off to revel in the kitchen tower.
Strangers were not readily admitted TO
Raglan in those days, nor perchance would
this one have been had my Lord Charles
or my L0rd of Worcester himself been stir
ring to see him pass. But earlier that day
dispatches had been brought in haste TO
the maIqG:s; he had al dinner shown much
preOccupation of CounteHance, and was
even now closely conferrirg with my Lord
Charles ard DIR. Bailey, so that twas no
great wonder he was not about to oefold
the peiilerS triumph.
1 was deeper than ever in the dumps, and
p4stime when Moyle, my lords usher, call
Ell to me that | was looked for instantly in
the closet So thither 1 turned my steps,
glad of any occupation, and tapped re-
spectfully upon the panel
Twas my lord himself babe me enter,
and the instant l closed the door behind me
/ felt piucking at my heart tnat told me
that this was no trivial errand; that here
lay nv chance to make or mar my fortunes.
For my lords voice rang deeper than with
its accust toned garrulous pipe of age. his
brow was deeply plCughed with thought
and when he fixed ME with his eye twas
with dreadful. probing gaze, as twere TO
challenge my fidelity, very different from
his usual habit of jesting tolerance.
Mine honored master, then gray in years,
was man of girth and great bulk, much
enfeebled by his infirmities, so that he rare
" stood or walked about, but sat continually
in a great chair by the window. DIR. Bal
ley. his chaplain, sat over against him, and
made a sduint at me to express reaSSur-
ance. for my lords sternness of visage had
cast me into hurried self-catechism as TO
my misdoings.
My lord began without preliminary.
hearkening at once to the core of the mat
ter.
Roger Selby." he said, folding before
him one withered hand, DIR. Bailey here
has given me such hopes of you that 1
have. on his advice, chosen you from those
of my household for an especial service"
This preface so gladdened and amazed
me that I could make him no adequate an
SWer beyond DoWlnS ana murmurihS my
fidelity.
You are 1 know. a hardy and active
youth proceeded my lord, in the same
deepened voice. Il have the assurance of
DIR. Bailey that you are faithful and brave.
That you are discreet have voucher by
your bearing in my household. This is,
above all, an opportunity for your diScre-
ton and dispatch If you are content to
do my bidding with swiftneSS and eXacti-
tude, asking no questions, seeking to know
no more than what is under your nose-and
keeping a close tongue in your mouth af
terward. now is your chance equally to
serve me. your king and country"
Il thank your lordship,' L made reply.
Elm this matter 1 shall move as your lord
ships hand-will you tell me your lordships
desire?"
You make no protestations," he said,
knitting his brow at me.
There is no need, my lord. They will
but make my weakness apparent should 1
fail. yoIr lordShip, and they honor me but
little if l do we'll"
Then to work" pursued my lord, in
kindlier tones, as one not nl-pleased with
my reply; 'hearken to me, lad This night
upon IL of the clock l receive a visitor of
whose coming no soul in Raglan must be
cognizant save our three selves. 1t will be
your task to conduct this person to me.
You know the hill beyond Raglan village,
where the thorn hedge grows?"
/ signffied assent
Good" My lords voice grew sharp and
commanding Leave Raglan when 10
CLOCK mas sounded, by the secret pass
age in the Yellow tower. Your departure
must, of course, be swift and unchallenged
by friend or foe. Bear lantern with YOU
but take heed you set it not alight till YOU
are well under the brow of the hill beyond
Raglan walls. There wait by the roadside
till you are accosted by a mounted cavalier
to whom you shall address the words
Whose horse ride YOU? If he reply, The
kings tits very well: take you the bride
reirs and lead him instanter to the door
of the passage, where he will dismount
Thence lead him straightway here, to me-
You can a sword?"
ION occasion, yes, my lord 1 replied
gaining more assurance. and DIR. Bailey in
terpOsed, lauding my craftsmanship with
such praise as, minding me of many a by
gone trick on the good man, my cheeks
redeemed TO hear.
Then remember that on this occasion
you must use it WELL" my lord cried out
shaking one equity hand at me. should