The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1899-04-22


conveyed by his mother, and so we'll
understood by himself. To see their
only son mated to their ward was the
dearest wish of Admiral and Mrs. Rob
sou, yet they had the good sense to
restrain the impetuosity of the youth
full couple until both arrived at years
of maturity.
III.
With the course of true love running
thus smoothly, and the crisp, frozen
ground under their feet, the twain
started upon their ramble.
With buoyant steps they breasted
the Hogs Back" from which favorite
vantage ground IL splendid view of the
surrounding country could be OBJ
tanned.
"A'es, there's the dear old Towers"
said Alice, where | should be living
now if the patcr had not died"
you've found another home," whis-
pcrcd Charley, land other parents"
II know that, DEAR responded the
girl. But you cannot imagine what
it feels like to have ones birthplace
given over TO ruin and decay, and to
know that one hasn't q single living
relative. Only to think l cannot even
visit my fathers grave, because he died
in some faraway outlandish placc!'
Then, with returning vivacity, she
added: Don't you remember that day
in your school holidays when we walked
over there and ramblcd through the
disused rooms? How we thought there
was a ghost in the hall, and ran all
the three miles back home without
once stopping?'
II should just think did," said the
young officer. You caught Il chill
through being overheated, and the
governor said he would make Il tailor Of
me for being such an IDIOT"
"You wouldn't he afraid now?"
quericd the girl.
mo fear!!" laughed her companion.
Life OH man-of-war soon knocks all
the fear Of spooks out of a man.
LET us pay another visit, then!"
A sharp walk soon brought the twain
to the rusty lodge gates of Westcrne
Towers.
GLOW dreary it looks." said the girl.
II wonder if that scullery window is
still unrastened?"
Charley tried, and, to his surprise,
the sash Slipped up without difficulty.
Its Il case of gentlemen first this
time" said he, stepping through the
aperture. Come along, tomboy. II
you're not careful you'll tear your
dress. The windows no bigger than
the lubber-hole of brig"
The easement being negotiated in
safety, together they wandered through
the cobweb-festooned rooms OF the
once-palatial residence. Ascending to
a second story, Robson carclcssly threw
open u door of a room which faced the
landing. Here an unexpected sight met
their gaze. Sitting before Il wood fire
was an elderly man, contemplating the
flames with u ruminant air. At the
sound they made lie turned his face to.
ward them and started in alarm.
The next moment the youth was
across the room and graphing with the
stranger. "You villain!" he painted
''Ive got you at last! Run, Allie, bring
some one quickly! I can't hold him
long; say he's Il deserter from the
navy!"
The trembling limbs of the girl
failed to carry out his behcsts as she
stood fascinated, watching the unequal
struggle which was speedily ended
Youth and agility were no match for
the sailors sinewy arms, and in u short
time Robson was ANONYMOUSLY pinned
against the wall.
With lowering brows and eyes which
BODIED no good to his captive, West
stood staring at the lad, as il undecided
what to do with him. Then, catching
sight of the pale face of Alice, who was
petrified with horror upon recognizing
in her companions antagonist the man
who had so persistently logged her
footsteps of late, his own features as.
sumed a softer expression and he nut.
tered: ut is kismet!"
After pause of GREATNESS silence
the cX-sailor, addressing his captive,
said: You are not SO muscular as was
your father in his youth, young fellow.
The Charley Robson that knew would
never have allowed an old man to get
the better of him; but let that pass and
come to the crux of the matter. You
want to arrest me for DESERVING from
the navy. Very we'll, you shall, if you
still wish to after hearing what have
to say"
Releasing the grip upon his would.
be captor, the elder man, in n strangely
cultured voice, addressed his auditors.
wears ago" said he, 81 was known
and respected in this neighborhood.
man of substance, and a member of the
diplomatic corps. Unfortunately, in
my official capacity, became embroiled
in a quarrel with political opponent,
and. as was more common even / S years
ago, the result was had no alternative
between fighting duel or being dis
honored.
Not to make long story, my ad-
versary and our seconds journeyed 10
Guldford with me late one night, in
tending to settle our differences a day.
break on the following morning. With
the courtesy that such affairs demand
ed, / offered the whole party hospitality
for the night.
"From the moment my head touched
the pillow until l was awakened the
next morning my mind was an entire
blank, but Judge of my horror when,