Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1897-04-22

|
not there, and he recollected that ne
had left it in the chamber below.
George, Georger' called Anne yet
twice more before the dear voice
answered: Il am here"
Thank God! I am ready, but first I
must light this to find the panel She
| tried Intellectually, but Denison took
the flint from her trembling fingers
and soon the taper was shedding it's
feeble light over them. They looked
/ only at each other, and Cromwell, try
! ing to find some place Of refuge, was
springing toward the tapestry behind
! him when Denison saw him.
! ''Cromwenr'
! Anne suppressed a Shrek and gazed
at him though fascinated. The light
/ Denison held in his hand shone full on
the face and figure of the man who had
retreated till he stood with his back
| against the door.
! Yes he said, quietly.
! There was a moment of awful wait
ing. Denis0n thought rapidly. This
mans presence meant the end Of his
hopes. Could he eXtinguish the light
and dash past him there would be
others outside, perhaps Boradell.
Anne's heart seemed to have suspended
its functions Her eyes were fastened
on the inscrutable face before her, and
something in their piteous appeal and
horror reached her heart, for his brow
grew less dark. A wild hope darted in
to Anne's mind. If she could only find
the way, if she could only extinguish
the light, perhaps
She took the light from Denison and
he placed his hand upon his sword.
Cromwell smiled.
Young man." he said, though
seemingly [ am at your mercy, I have
but to lift my voice to have you sur
rounded
But 1 can take your life ere one
could reach u.s." said Denison, fiercely,
''and in so doing, [ would be render
ing England a service"
May" said Cromwell, why say you
that?' I speak not from egotism, but
solemn conviction, when I tell you if
the point of your sword were at my
throat I should not fear, for l am but
the instrument Of destiny that has
marked out the events Detailing Eng
land"
His voice was so solemnly earnest,
his countenance so filled with a sub
lime eXaltatiOn and conviction that the
young man felt himself weakening and
could only murmur, "Egotist."
mo. The instrument of fate"
"Ohv' cried Anne, you speak of a
power that controls your destiny
Does it not bid you have mercy on two
who have no part in the events of the
nation, humble pair who want only
to be happy? Who ask only oppor-
tunity to leave this unhappy land?"
Fair daughter Of my stanch friend,
I would be hard indeed if I could not
hearken to your pleading. I have fol-
lowed you hither, not with ill-intent.
George Denison, I know of the plot to
seize me. You were one Of the
chosen?"
Denison nodded.
Give UP to me the papers you We're
to give to certain of my men-and l
will not only pardon you, but engage
tc make your peace with Boradell"
Denison drank in his words, then he
turned a glance on Anne The clear
true eyes met his and he was answered.
ut is life and love, remember"
and I reject life and love on such
terms. l would not be fit for love were
[ base enough to be traitor"
Take care. You have the papers.
When you are captured, I have the
Knowledge without you. But I want
the names from your lips"
AND I would Sc OF the rack rather
than bctI6y cCLfderce" cried D4ni.
son. "And learn, on my honor Fs gen
tleman, I have no papers"
Cromwell pierced his very soul With
his glance
cit is true" said Denison, haughtiIy
You cannot expect mercy from
hunted man, 50 prepare, for I sell my
life as dearly as can
'T am unarmed," said Cromwell,
calmly. "You can murder me if .rou
L
know it will be too late when help
Genes"
Denison groaned. He looked at Anne
He thought of the promise, perilous
though it was, that the New World
held for him Was he to let it go
without struggle? Why should he
nave mercy Once cut of the way,
the. might escape through the pass
ageway ere the Roundheads came. His
hand closed on his hilt and he had
when Anne placed her hand on his,
saying:
mo, George, not at that price"
She turned to Cromwell.
you are safe from him Pass out,
I ray you, and summon your men. We
have the right to die together, for
swear to you, George, 1 shall not s:lr-
yive you"
Cromwell looked upon her as she
placed her hand in Denison's, AMI
Keeling Of pity, a resolution born of his
genuine admiration for the two, over
came his cold doggedness.
Cannot I, too, afford to b. gene
ous?" he said to himself. Come" he
said aloud, you are good stuff, Deni-
son, and 1t may be you are spared to
see the error you follow 'Tis pity in
this grand moment, when right has
prevailed, that mercy should not be
known Come with me fair Anne and