Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1899-04-19

and if she tainted there was an end of all.
At the outside it was matter of few
minutes now, one way or the other; but as
came to the crest of another ravine 1 saw
before me steep bank leading down to
small stream that was swishing along in
white flood, and on the opposite shore
sight that made my heart leap, for drawnup
in array, evidently reused by the sound OF
the shots, was strong body of men at arms,
and over them huttered the pennon OF
Hardwood, red hand on white field.
knew in moment we were within the
kings outposts.
Saved" shouted in my joy. Saved"
and risking all 1 made the horse fly the
last ravine, and the next instant we had slid
down the bank, and the white water was
churning round Castor as he dashed into the
stream.
A puff of smoke above us, flash as of
| lightning, deafening roar, and one OF No
varro's nine-pounders belched out a storm
of grape that Kissed over our heads in the
direction of our pursuers, and stopped them,
beaten and baffled. One effort more, we
were out of the stream, up the bank, and
painting, breathless and still bleeding, with
my companion in dead faint in my arms, 1
Ieined in Castor. In moment we were sur
| 1OuutGu, DuI Vic 1dCSo WSAO hAANiyS anu
mounting slowly, I placed my lifeless bur
den on heap of cloaks that were flung to
the earth for her, and then, turning round,
saw Hardwood before me. 1t was the first
time we had met since the affair at Arezzo,
1 when was cast forth dishonored man.
did not know how to greet him, and there
was constraint in his face, for saw he
knew me, and was, like myself, at loss for
| speech. had, however, to take the matter
in my hand.
"Signore," I said, "accept my thanks.
This lady is the Countess Angola Castel-
lani, ward Of the Florentine secretary.
4 whom have brought off from Perugia, and
have to take to the convent of st. jerome"
i He tugged at his tawny mustache.
II have merely carried out orders-you
have nothing to thank me for, signore. My
instructions were to prevent any of Bagli-
oni's men crossing the Snnguinetta and to
protect all fugitives from the territories Of
the Borgia."
i 1 bowed and added, with pain in my
tone could not conceal, for this man was
1 once my friend:
"All the same, thank you, signore; l
h We, however, four followers"
Il can do nothing for them if they are on
they her bank" he interrupted, and went
on: st. Jerome is not half league from
here. My men will make up litter, and
help to bear the lady there. It will be
easier for her. 1 wish you good day" He
turned on his heel and gave some orders to
his men in English, language do not
know, leaving me standing by the body of
, Angola. All the misery of the past came
back to me in flash. Would the stain never
be wiped out? All the kindness had re-
ceived from Bayard and the cardinal, all the
efforts made by those who believed in me,
seemed to be swept away as dust in the
wind Almost did / feel that would &C.
cept the ban cast on me and turn wolf in
, earnest. IT cost me much to restrain myself
from drawing on Hardwood, but glance
| at the still pale face before me recalled me
, to my duty. A man very kindly brought me-
little wine; knelt down and forced some
, of it between her blue lips. In short time
{ she revived, some color came into her cheek
, and she attempted to rise, with look Of
fear on her face at the number of armed
men she saw around her.
/ "There is nothing to fear, madam" said
to reassure her, "you are safe, and in an houl
|, will be at st. Jerome-a Litter is being made
) ready for you"
| Without word she held out her hand
and thanked me with this and the look in
her eyes.
g The litter was now ready, half q dozen
men volunteered their services, and, placing
her therein, we started for the convent. Err
a we had gone half a mile we heard shouts be
J hind US, and I was more than glad to ses
Jacopo and my men riding up.
Glow did you get off" asked, a. the,
came up.
"In the rear of the troop from Magione
excellency," was Jacopo's reply; "they die
not observe US, having eyes only for you
and seeing you were safe we forded tn
stream lower down and crossed-but, q
cellency, your face-are you hurt?"
Somewhat, but at st. jerome will haN
1t attended to-"
In truth, the left side of my face appears,
to be laid open, and, although felt tina
the wound was not so dangerous as i
seemed, yet had bled freely, and now tina
the excitement was over began to suffe
) much pain. Indeed, at times felt as if
could hardly hold myself straight in the sad
die, succeeding in doing SO only by an effor
Of will. did not approach the litter. Iva
y afraid that the sight of my face would alarm
Angola, for now she Was probably able t
look about her, and see that which she hs,
: ! not been able to observe before. Once, how
{ ever, in bend of the road, that fortunatel.
went to the left and hid my wounded side
1 our eyes met, and I caught 80 bright smil
Of thanks that it paid me for my hurt.
: refined in, for knew my face showed to
r much, and henceforth kept well behind.
sent Clan on to the convent with the goo
J. news of Angiola's rescue, and on nearin
4 the gates was met by St. Armande and til
4 rest of my followers, whom was glad il
= deed to see.
He came up with merry greeting. 1--WE
q come" he cried: $50, gallant knight, 70
have saved the damsel in Distress" the,
e catching sight of my wounded face, his tor
d changed. "Good G.! you are hurt"
4 "a little"
= "You should have seen to it at once.
come-we are not allowed to enter the col
r vent; but the abbess has done all she ca
n foE.sus, and we camp or lodge, whichev,
4 way you put it. in that house there;"
!. pointed to small villa, set in what SCENE
wilderness of holm-oak that hid all b,
its roof from view.
Not 30 fast, chevalier. must leave n
| u L G.