Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1896-07-09
ENGLISH PLUCK.
The Story Of . Young Lad Of Long Ago
Who Faced IN Angry Lord.

The Story Of . Young Lad Of Long Ago
Who Faced IN Angry Lord.
In St. Nicholas John Bennett has .
story Of life in England centuries ago en-
titled "His Fathers Price" Several lads
have thrown olods Of clay at proud bar.
on, who captures one OF them. This scene
follows:
Tho fellow" they had olodded was Sir
Richard Scroope, the lawyer lord Of Bolton
Manor. The lad turned sick, but did not
finch hair. IL Is n strange English way,
that, Of taking ones dose and making no
to do.
Sir Richards garb was dull In tone, but
rich In stuff. His cloak and hood were
friDged with miniver, although the day
was warm. His ray cloth surcoat was wine
color and blue. The closely girdled gaber-
dine beneath IL was of fine watohet blue,
with broad band Of shimnering cloth Of
gold. His strong white hands were bare,
but his legs were covered with double
thonged cookers Of russet cordovan from
ankle to midthigh. His spurs were heavily
gilded and he wore q short double edged
Sheffield dagger.
"Art thou one Of those who did this unto
rneY' he asked In a stern, hard voice.
"Aye, replied the boy huskily.
"Who set 20 on to do this thingf"
"No one, SIRE"
"No lies to me, knavel Who set ye onP"
81 have ma lied," the boys voice quiv-
cred.
"Why did 20 do II, then'"
The lad made no reply. He was won-
dering II the rest had got away safe; won
dering that no was still alive, and If ID
were not all dream that the lord baron
was asking him why.
"Dost hear me, knaveY" said Sir Rich
ard.
"Yea, sire.'
"Then why dost thou not answer"
"For marvel that may, sire" replied
the boy.
A queer look came into Sir Richards
stern eyes at that, and he looked even
moro shrowdly than before Gt the upturned
sunburned face, honestly fearful, yet un-
afraid. "Then why did ye do this cow
ardly thing? Speak, knave My time Ia
shorter than my temper with thee!"
At the word "oowardly" the lad flushed.
For sport, sire," he replied.
"For sport" cried Sir Richard sternly
"Thiss" and as he spoke he pointed mean
!ngly to his swollen forehead.
"That was your end Of the game, sire,
not ours" said the boy stoutly, and with
q certain sense Of humor
The dark eyes cleaned queerly again.
eye knew not who was, perohanoeP"
mot then, sire, but now right well, my
lord baron.
"If thou hadst known me, thou wouldst
never have thrownf"
"Aye, but would with a right good
will, " answered the boy doggedly, "but
would not now for a gold rose nobel"
As he spoke he threw back his head.
"How nowf" said the baron sharply.
"Why notP'
because ye bore yourself as right lord
baron shouldp cried the boy, looking up
frankly, though choking little as be
spoke.
A grim smile twitohed at the corners of
the baron's iron mouth on that blunt re-
ply, and sparkle of satisfaction lighted
his naughty eyes. Little used to such
fair, plain speech from either young or
old, the boys pluck struck his fancy.
"What Is thy name?" he asked.
Walter, SIRE"
Doubtless, but whose son art thouP"
The boy looked up with glance of
sharp distrust and did not reply. Sir
Richards mouth set harshly again.
"Answer me- thou froward rogue! What
Is thy fathers name?"
The boys lips whitened, but he did not
speak.
1T were better for thee to answer me-"
warned the knight, gathering his bride as
he spoke.
The boys heart sank and his face grew
pale.
my father has ma clodded thee" he re-
piled huskily. 1.-THE fault Is mine, not
his"
Sir Richards eyes were full of queer
looks that day, but never more than then.
"Thou stubborn knave" quoth he short |
ly. "Thy father fathered thee-that is
enough. Here stand thou at my stirrup
leather"
The boy obeyed trembling.
Lay hold" said he. The boy laid hold |
upon the leather.
'Now follow where ride, upon thy
life."
And SO they fared to Bolton castle.