Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1899-08-30


tears The good wife and her daughter
gave MS goats cheese, white bread and
honey for our breakfast. The lass stood
beside Beverley in the doorway, and
over the brim of my earthenware cider
mug noticed that they were just of a
size. Then the idea Of Disgusting him
in woman's clothing flashed on me.
"Good" said alond. and straight
way offered her two gold crowns for
her holiday attire--shoes, hair ribbons
and all. My two goldpieces and Bever-
ley's gallant kiss overcame her affec-
tion for the brave blue skirt and gray
bodice which were laid away in the
linen chest
The women were romantic, and we
told enough of our story to gain their
sympathy. Another crown brought a
serviceabie homemade sidesaddle, and
Beverlev's own horse furniture was
slowed away in the garnet. Then. with
the clothing the girl had provided, my
friend retired to our chamber. After
half an hour he appeared as dainty and
blithe lass as ever tripped in red
stockings. The women went into a
frenzy of laughter and compliments,
and l was astonisbed at the change in
the gallant Tom Beverley, the deadli-
est swordsman In his regiment of
guards.
AS l was dressed In serviceable
hunting suit. such as any gentleman
would wear in the saddle. did not put
on any disguise. Tom mounted, show
ing much red hose.
"a peasant girl and her highborn
lover-tha will be the role.'' said,
finding my stirrup.
Thsn we shook out our bridles to-
ward the mountains. the same range
that runs across the kingdoms and be-
hind the old house of LISTENS
Not knowing what might happen.
bore Toms sword, together with my
own, one swinging from the saddle. the
other at my thigh. All day we travelled,
sometimes passing through oak woods
and copses of evergreen. again having
cultivated fields on either hand, from
which the grain harvest had been gath
cred in. We eeaded the villages by rid
ing around them. At night we came to
the foothills and rude Inn beside the
road. l swung from my saddle.
"Cordelia. love. allow me to help
You down, said, and Beverley smiled
so sweetly that vow the stable boy be-
side us shook with pang of jealousy.
Upon entering the hostel l called fol-
supper and ordered two chambers to be
prepared. My host winked at dirty
rogue who sat by the fire.
1--WE have but one guest chamber fit
for the likes of you. he replied.
"Then get that one ready for the
lady and couch down here for me, and
see to 1t quickly. said. staring him
down.
He whistled impudently, not being
used, think, to men of my disposition.
A woman came In with cold fowl and
wine for our supper. The landlord stood
and ogled Beverley. thinking me q
lovelorn youth and as mild as looked.
kicked him squarely on the seat of bis
well mended breeches and told him
again to see to my bidding. He went
about it then with fine show Of alac.
rity.
Tom and l devoured the partridge
and tried to drink enough of the soul
wine to quench our thirst. AS the
woman and dirty man surveyed u.
closely we kept up the lover act, Ton
using his tongue with an uncuitivated
buzzing and ! signing nightly. recit
ing scraps of amorous rhymes and talk
ing much about having once seen the
king, this last to give our listeners thu
idea that was of the little gentry Of
the place.
Presently the fair Cordelia retired tx
her chamber. the dirty man took hi
departure. and made myself at hom,
by the hearth. With my saddle undel
my head l slept well enough unit
morning. We breakfasted at the open
ing of dawn on meat stew smackint
strangely of smoke and cinders. During
the night had dreamed of capture ant