The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1899-07-21
THIRTY PIECES
OF SILVER.

TWO travellers in sober apparel, and
hiding sleek, well-fed nags, were the
only wayfafers on the road, as far as
ths eve could reach. Without them,
the weird loneliness OF the November
Mlandscape would have missed it's last
touch of desolation; for the dripping,
gray-green sedges, intersected with
sulky little streams, and bitches, which
hooked like faded grGgram ribbons
with frayed edges, the sodden road
with it's deep ruts forming brownish-
gray pools, and the leadengray sky
AGAINST which the leafless branches of
fhe one pollard willow were extended
las though imploring respite from fur
ther rainfall blended themselves into
Ia sombre background that was wholly
Harmonious.
Only as the two horses, heavy with
mud, laboriously climbed the steep,
slippery hill, did the entrance of human
Beings bring the element of unrest into
tbe scene.
You climb cautiously, sir" observed
the younger to the elder man, with a
Blight smile. Their difference in age
could be but that of a year or two.
The older traveller, a clean-shaven,
firm iawed man, of Enthusiastically
Scotch physiognomy, replied calmly:
Fl am afraid
The other-his name was Fitzroy-
Suddenly refined in his horse. His
companion answered the amazed Ques-
zion in his eyes:
"0f falling-have a care, sir, or you
will do it yourself. The mud is Slip
perry; my horse carries a heavy load,
and have no mind for riding into
Gown with torn cloak or despatched
Iperson."
you are wise sir" said Fitzroy.
fThe merciful man is merciful to his
BEAST, his person and his garments!
It hath been long years since | valued
any of these, and, therefore, as you per-
scefVe," noticing the other mans narrow
scrutiny, Il have had many fall in
ifhe mire."
Tut! AS to that, we are both miry.
TITS these pestiferous roads, after the
rams. The stable boys at the Golden
aEoolet shall serape off some of it, when
we have dined."
Again Fitzreys horse reared back
SHARPLY, and again amazement stared
from his eyes. THE Golden Goblet ,
are you bound to dine there? Then
pur ways part, sir; though l am 10th
Y leave pleasant company"
But now now" in establishment
Equally blank. where else should we
inc, save at the inn? Pardon me. sir.
ut your behaviour is certainly most
trsnge."
"A dull red had risen in F1tzrov's
neeks. He gaZed at the ground with
m answer.
II tbs matter of money" began
ne other in an altered tone.
Ay sir; you have touched the point.
pVerty is not vice, is it? or it could
so readily shame us. My pockets
fe empty, and | had counted on the
ailty of some good cottage creature
a cup of milk aud some bread and
theese"
Pray be my guest at the inn," said
III older man with formal civility. He
apparently as cautious of over
demonstration toward a chance ac-
Intance as of climbing slippery
20 but waxed more insistent at Fitz-
W violent demur: But wherefore
Surely, my hospitality should
no less than an old cottage wo-
ans"
+ Slr, you are most kind. But
I quo go with an empty stomach rather
~ dine at the Golden Goblet.
I've an ancient grudge-"
But thought" cried his fellow tray
III, you were strange in these parts?
~ said as much, when we fell in with
n other this morning, and you
yed me to point you the road to
ANfham"
q
Troy asked, sudden sparkle of
IN In his eyes, as quickly extin-
#shed las ! remember the Golden
Wp pet 1t stands at g crossing, and some
Y W roach 1t from the east, some from
west. Nay. sir-I have not yet
4 ned your name. / cannot and will
enter that inn. and it is spending
Pth to ask me wherefore. Per-
xz.pce the landlord has cheated me-or
neeted the landlord; perchance l
1pened to kiss the barmaiG--. Sir,
sorry, but l will not go. see a
.Rge in the distance; | am confident
~ good dame there will give us food,
se0 even nights lodging"
Why. bow know you there is
sep E, and that her hospitality is free?"
Il. DO not know" said Fitzroy, with a
contraction OF the eyebrows. u |
- Clearly see. however, you fear to
yourself in the company of man
acknowledges himself penniess,
though"-with family con-
tuous glance at the other mans
|ers-"you carry arms and he does
You are right. sir; the country
Pely. there are Iumors of highway
and you never saw me before this
Inn, ana Us g nav e WsSysdm a%s t tp
=. or whomever may find. Good
. Duncan McDougall, kirk officer
nantyne Parish and canniest Of
Inoughtfully watched him spur
rse ON up another Of the steep,
little hills, with the stumbling
# VI an angry schoolboy. Society
sA*. road was pleasant-but per-
&& dangerous pleasure, when you
ih@ not with whom you were rid
ia when your saddle-bags held
FUNDS Scots. in good gold, to buy
communion silver for the new
<A yne kirk. He had trust,
ION, 2 life to guard. Yet
could the fNIl0u hiuch IfLa Lit |