Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-10-09

for years past he had only spoken casually,
and once in six months, as it we're, pro-
ceeded to relate with the utmost fullneSs
and particularly every detail Of the jour
rey. which, as he said, they two had taken
together to Ashford. At what time they
started, where they lay by what road they
Travelled, at all Smith was pat; nor did he
stop there, but went on to relate with the
same ease and exactness the heads of talk
that had passed between Sir John and his
companion at the inn.
Nor was 1t possible that a story so told
with minutiae, with date and place and
circumstance, should fall on ears totally
DEAL The men who listened were states
men. versed in receptions and acquainted
With aHairs-men who knew Oates ard
mad heard Dangerfield; yet they listened
they shut their eyes and reopened them, 20
assure themselves that this was not
dream! Before his appearance, even Lord
Portland, whose distrust of English loyaI-
ty was notorious, had been inclined to ridi-
cute Sir johns story desperate card
played for life; and this even in teeth of
my lords disorder, so incredible did il an
pear that one of the kings principal minis
ters should Stoop to a thing so foolish
NOW. II was sign pregnant of meaning
mat no one looked at his neighbor, but all
Sdzed either at the witness or at the ia hIe
before them. And some who knew INV
lord best. and had the most affection for
MN, felt the air heavy and the stiffness Of
the room oppressive.
suddenly the current of the story was
broken by the kings harsh accent. what
was the date?'' he asked. ..on which Won
reached Ashford?'
The 10th of June, SIR
Where was the duke on that dav~, Will
liam continued. and he turned to the lord
steward His tone and question, Implying
the most perfect contempt for the tale to
M ,ha and ne was listening. to extent broke
the spell, and had the reply been satisfac-
terry, all would have been over E,t tho
luke OF Devonshire, turning to nv lord for
me answer. got only that he lay those two
nasnts at nus mothers in the suburbs, and
thereon blank look fell on more thar 80
lace. The king, indeed snifred and mmt-
Tered: Then twenty witnesses can confute
.i4ls. as II the answer satisfied him and
, mas an ne mad expected, but that others
We're at gaze. and in doubt was as notica
apie, as that those who looked most so1a,,n
ara thoughtful Were the three who had
themselves stood in danger that dav
-: a. hod from the king Smith resumed
MS tale; but in a moment he vas n,,iid
up short by Lord Dorset. who r.oipest. ID
ms IHaJesty's leave to put question. Hav-
ing got permission: How do you saw that
me ouke-came to take you with him.
the marquis asked, sharply
10 20 lake me, my lord?''
Must l answer that question:
Yes. said Lord Dorset, with srimnoss
ell, simply because I had been Tho
medium of communication betwean hi.
grace and Sir JOHN Smith answered drjIv
ctei as on former occasions 1 had acted
T
dleton. N Aoiu -'iiu-
My lord started violently and half rose
Ihen as he fell back into his seat: THAT.
ST. Is me first word of truth this nerson
mas mas, spoken he said with dignity 1T is a
Tact that in the year 80 he twice hrou,,bt
me note from Lord Middleton. and ar
ranged meeting between US"
IIeclseiy, Smith answered, with ef-
1ronteTy, as 1 arranged this meeting"
Oi .Iat, Tor the first time. my lord $ self
h II
!eet. Gu lie. he cried, vehemently.
lou lie IN your teeth, you scoundrel, Sir
pardon me, but this is-this is too much,
cannot sit by and hear it,"
by u gesture not lacking in kindness tho
hIhs pade him resume his seat Then
festo! he said, taking snuff with a drolI
expression OF chagrin. "Will any one cls,.
ASK Question My Lord Dorset has not
peen fortunate. AS the advocatus diaboli
perhaps, he may one day shine"
III your majesty pleases," Lord Marl-
borough said, Il will ask one But | will
put IL 10 SH John. and he can answer it or
NOT as he likes How did you know, Sir
John. that it was the Duke of Shrewsbury
VINO met you at Ashford and conferred
with you there?"
knew the duke" Sir John answered
clearly. Il had seen him often and spoken
with him occasionally"
How often had you spoken with him be-
fore this meeting?'
POSSIBLY on 4 dozen occasions
with him?" 90 ''''"
NO; but 1 could not be mistaken.
know him. Sir John added. with fash OF
pitter meaning, AS we'll as 1 know you,
Lord Marlborough"
He gave his title?"
NO, he did not" Sir John answered, He
gave the name of Col. Talbot"
some one at the tablet was Lord Port
land-drew his breath sharply through his
teeth nor could the impression made ,,y a
statement that at first blush seemed harm
less ard even favorable to the duke. be
ignored or mistaken. Three out of four
WEo sat there were aware that my lorG
had used that name in his wild and boyisb
days. when he would be incognito. and.
moreover, the use of even that 1imsy dis
guise cast sort Of decent probability over
a story, which, at its barest. seemed cred
ible For the first time, the balance Of
credit and probability swung against nv
lord, TACT subtly indicated by the silence
when followed the statement and lasted a
brief while, no one at the table speaking
or volunteering further question For the
time Matthew Smith was forgotten-or the
sleam OF 1nsoient triumph in his eye might
have said somewhat. For the time Sir
John took lower seat. Mems minds were
busy with the duke and the duke onIy:
busy with what the result would be to him.
and TO the party, were this proved; while
most. perceiving Gully and by instinct that
the denouement.
At last. in the silence, the duke rose. and
swayng blindly on his feet, caught at the
table to steady himself For two nights he
had not slept.
Duke said the king, you had better
speak sitting"
The words were meant in kindness, but
they indicated subtle change of attitude;
they indicated that even the king now
felt the need of explanation and defense
and my lord. seeing this and acknowledge
UgUD