Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1896-06-04
ENGLISH PLUCK.
The Story of Young Lad Of Long Ago
who Inced an Angry Lord.

The Story of Young Lad Of Long Ago
Who Tnccd M Angry Lord.
In st. Nicholas John Bennett has a
story Of life In England centuries ago en-
Titled His Fathers Price" Several lads
havo thrown olods Of clay at proud bar
on, who captures ono of them. This scene
follows:
Tho "fcllow" they had olodded was Sir
Richard Scroope the lawyer lord Of Bolton
Manor. The lad turned SICK but did not
finch II hnir. 1t Is a strange English way,
that, Of taking ono's dose and making no
to do.
Sir Richard garb was dull in tone, but
rich in stuff. His cloak and hood wero
fringcd with minivcr, although tho day
was warm. His ray cloth surcoat was wine
color and blue. Tho closely grdlod gaber-
dine beneath IL was Of fine watchet blue,
with a broad band Of shimmerinR cloth of
gold His strong white hands were bare,
but his legs were covered with double
thonRed cookers of russell cordovan from
ankle to midthigh. His spurs were heavily
gidod and he wore short double edged
Sheffield dagger.
art thou one of those who did this unto
moS" no asked in stern, hard voice.
AYE, replied tho boy huskily.
"Who set ye on to DO this thngp"
ono one, sire"
ono lies TO me, knavol Who SGT ye onS"
II have ma liod," the boys voice quiv-
cred
"Why did yo do it, thenf
Tho lad made no reply. He was won
dcring If tho rest had got away safe; won
dcring that he was still alivc and II 1t
wore not all u dream that the lord baron
was asking him why.
"Dost hear mo, knaveY" said Sir Rich
ard.
"Yea, sire"
"Thun yghy dost thou not answerP''
"For marvel thnt may, sire, replied
tho boy.
A queer look came into Sir Richards
stern eyes at thnt, and hc looked oven
more shrowdly than before ut the upturncd
sunburned face honestly fearful, yet I'M
afraid. "Thon Why did ye do this cow
hrdly thing? speak, knavol My time Is
shorter than my temper with theev'
A the word "cowardly" tho lad flushed
For sport, sire, " he replied.
For sport!' cried Sir Richard sternly.
"This?" and rs no spoke no pointed mean
ingly to his swollen forehead.
"Thnt was your end of tho game sire,
not ours" said tho boy stoutly and with
u certain sense Of humor.
The dark eyes CLEANED qucerly again
eye knew not who was perchance?'
"Not then, sire, but now Tht WE'LL my
lord baron"
"If thou hadst known me, thou wuuldst
mover have thrown!"
"Ayo, but would, with right good
will, )" answered tho boy aoggedly, but
would not now for gold rose noblel'
As he spoke no threw back his head.
GLOW now" said the baron sharply
why notF"
Because ye bore yourself as a right lord
baron shoull" cried the boy, looking up
frankly, though choking a little MS he
spoke.
\ grim smile twitched at tho corners of
TIC baron's iron mouth on that blunt re-
ply, and a sparkle Of satisfaction lighted
his laughty eyes. Little used to such
.air, plain speech from either young or
old, the boys pluck struck his fancy.
What is thy namoY" he asked.
walter, sire"
Doubtless, but whose son art thou?"
Tho boy looked up with a glance Of
sharp distrust and did not reply. Sir
Richards mouth set ;hars gain.
Answer me, thou fro, oguel What
Is thy fathers nnmel''
Tho boys lips whitcned, but he did not
speak.
1t were better for thee 20 answer me, :"
warnod the knight, gathering his bride as
he spoke.
Tho boys heart sank and his faco grew
pale.
MY father has ma oloddcd thee, - he re-
piled huskily. Tho fault IS m;ne not
his.
Sir richards eyes were full of queer
looks that day, but never moro than then.
"Thou stubborn knayc!' .quoth he short
ly. Thy father fathrred theo-that Is
enough. Hero, stand thou at my stirrup
leather"
Tho boy obeyed trembling.
Lay hold, said he, Tho boy laid hold
upon tho leather.
"Now follow where I ride, upon thy
life"
And so they fared to Bolton castle.