The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-04-27
THE RED NIGHT AT RAGLAN.
of Roger Sc
Grace he Worcester
BY ANNA ROBESON BROWN,
Autho Of ain Of
l~A4
feopyrightr 1891

you are content TO 6o my bidding with
swiftness and exactitude, asking TO
questions, seeking to know no more
than what is under your nose--and,
keeping a close tongue in your mouth
afterwards, now is your chance equally
to serve me, your king and country" =
II thank your lordship," made re-
ply. "In this matter / shall move us
your lordships hand--will you tell me
your lordship's desire?"
"You make no protestations," he
said, knitting his brows at me.
'"There is no need, my lord. They
will but make my weakness apparent
should j fail, your lordship, and they
honor ME but little II do WELL"
''Then to work." pursued my lord,
in kindlier tones, as one not ill-pleased
with my reply: "hearken to me. lad
Inis night upon eleven OF the clock
receive a visitor of whose coming TO
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?"
j signified assent.
"Good." My lords voice grew sharp
and commanding. leave Raglan when
ten o'clock has sounded, by the secret
passage in the Yellow tower. Your de-
parture must of course be swift, and
unchallenged by friend or foe, Bear
lantern with you, but take heed you
set il 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 mounted cavalier,
to whom you shall address the words:
Whose horse ride you% If he reply
The kings It's very well; take you the
bridle-reins and lead him instanter to
the door of the passage, where he will
dismount. Thence lead him straight
way here, to me. You can use a
sword 2"
ION occasion, yes, my lord" / re-
piled, gaining more assurance, and DIR.
Bailey interposed, lauding my swords
manship with such praise as, minding
me of many bygone trick on the good
man, my cheeks Redeemed to hear.
"Then remember that on this oc-
casion you must use it well," my lord
cried out, shaking one gouty hand at me.
. "Should you be stayed, or questioned
/ care not by whom-'tis turn ofyour
sword, say! Bear it naked before you.
and never let past the thought that you
are the safeguard of him you lead.'
II will bear brace of pistols like
wise, an your lordship think it we'll"
II do assuredly, but with this arma-
ment, my cockerel, be not reckless
either, but bear yourself with the call
tion of man-at-arms."
entreated my master to repeat his in
structions, which then felt tolerably
sure of, and on this bowed and left
him, containing my excitement, and
with as unmoved face as ever wore
in my life. The one question L longed
to put, 1 choked into my teeth, namely
why he had chosen me, lad, for so Inn
portant mission when he was SUR
rounded by old and tried servitors.
Upon reflection, however, i made
shrewd guess that my lord would rather
trust to the enthusiasm and youthful
romance of a boy, than to the keener
sight and calmer brains of one who
bore knowledge of his affairs.
Twas among the softest of July days,
and the sweet summer air breathed on
my forehead as crossed the court. All
things looked fair to me; Twas touched
with pride; my pulse beat with adven-
ture, and my heart with loyalty; in
imagining l beheld myself early in adj
vancement, guerdoned with the trust of
my superiors. What the service signi-
fled TO which l was hidden, hazarded
no guess, my lord had forbidden such
conjecture. Nevertheless i could not