Omaha daily bee., 1898-12-25

Nay. the turbulence of their followers has
more than once come before me In my Judi
cial capacity as justicer OF the realm-what
more would you hsve?"
Were you, my lord. OF those who con-
demned them to death?"
mot so, William; It had not been seemly
in a near kinsman and the heir to their
dignities--that is, save and except Galloway,
which by Ill chance goes in the female line,
IL we md not means to break that unfor-
tunate reservation. Your cousins were con-
demned by my Lords Crichton and Livings-
ton"
1--WE never heard OF either OF them" said
William calmly.
"In their judicial aspect they may be
styled lords as Is the Scottish custom, -
said James the Gross, "even as, when was
laird of Balvany and a sitter on the bed OF
justice, 1t was my right to be so styled"
Then our cousins were condemned with
your approval, my lord Of Douglas and
Avondale?" persisted his son.
James the Gross was visibly perturbed.
Approval, william, is not the word to
use--not word to use in the circumstances
They were near kinsmen!"
But upon being consulted, you did no,
openly disapprove-is 1t not so? And you
der now?'
"Hearken. William. 1t was not possible,
could not openly disapprove. l also was In
the chancellor's hands and I knew not but
that he might include me also in the same
condemnation. Besides, lads. think of the
matter calmly. There is no doubt that the
thing happens most conveniently, and the
event falls out well with us. Our own bar
m MI bap
What could I do? l have been a poor man
all my life, and after the removal OF OBJ
stacles I saw my way to become the richest
man in all Scotland. How, then, could I
openly object?'
William Douglas bowed.
so" he said, that Is what we desired
to know. have l your permission to speak
further?"
His father nodded pleasantly, seating him.
self again as one who has finished a trouble
some business. He rubbed his hands to-
gether and smiled upon his sons.
AYE, speak gin ye like, William, but sit
doon-sit doom, lads. We are all of one
family and it falls out we'll for you as 1t
does for me. Let us all be pleasant and
agreeable together!"
Il thank you, my lord' said his son,
but we will not sit down. We are no
longer Of one family. We may be your sons
In the eye Of the law and in natural fact, but
from this day no one OF us will break
bread, speak word. hold intimacy or converse
with you AS far as in US lies we will
renounce you as our father. We will not,
because Of the commandment rise in re-
oellion against you. You are earl OF Doug
las and while you live must rule your own.
But for me and my brothers we will neither
be your children to honor, your sons to
succor nor your liegemen to fight for you.
We go to offer our services to our cousin
Margaret, the little maid Of Galloway. We
will keep her province with our swords as
the last stronghold Of the true Douglases
Of the Black. I have spoken. Fare you
well, my lord!"
During his sons speech the countenance
Of the newly made earl OF Douglas grew
white and mottled, tallowy white and dull
red like the flesh of a drained OK. He rose
unsteadily to his feet, moving one hand be-
| seechingly before him, like helpless man
| unexpectedly stricken. His neither lip quiv-
cred pendulously and piteously and for q
moment he strove in vain with his utter
ance.
His eye fell abashed from the cold stern
| ness OF his eldest sons glance and he seemed
four for any token Of milder mood.
James," he said, "ye hear William
Surely ye do not hold with him? Remem-
ticular fond O. you Jamie. mind when
ye used to sit astride my shoulders. And
ye used to like that fine!'
There were tears in the eyes Of the weak
cunning, treacherous- hearted man. The lips
OF James Douglas quivered little and his
voice failed him as he strove to answer his
father. What he would have said none
| knows, but ere he could voice a word the
eyes of his brother, stern as the law given
to Moses on the mount were bent upon him
He Strengthened himself up and with look
| carefully averted from the palsied man be-
fore him, he said in a steady tone: What
my brother William says, l say"
His father looked at him again, as II
still hoping against hope for some kinder
| word. Then he turned to his younger sons.
"Archie Hugh, little Jockie. ye wilma
| take part against your ain father?"
1--WE hold with our brothers!" said the
| three, speaking at once.
At this moment there came running in
| at the door OF the tent lad OF 10. Henry
| the youngest OF the Avondale brothers. He
stopped short in the midst glancing won
deringy from one to another. His little
sword, with which he had been playing
| dropped from his hand. James the Gross
| looked at him.
| Harry" he said, "thy brothers are a
for leavin' me. Will ye gang wi then
| or bide wi your faither?"
Father" said the boy, II will 90 with
you il ye will let me help to kill Living.
| stone and the CHANCELLOR
Come laddie," said the earl, Eye under
stand not these matters. l will explain tc
you when we gang back to the Draw things
| in Edinbra' toon!"
| mo, no. cried the boy, STOPPING to picl
| up his sword, 81 will bide with my brother!
and help kill the murderers Of my cousins
! What William says say"
| Then the Ave young men went out ant
called for their horses, their younges
brother following them. And as the flap o
| the tent fell and he wes left alone James
the Gross sank his head between his sof
| moist palms and sobbed aloud.
For he was weak, shifty, unstable man
loving approval, and a burden to himsel
| In soul and body when left alone to beai
tho cons anuences Of his acts.