Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1900-04-26
stood aside, for was the best swords


peninsula went line of horsemen, each
with his purchase upon pillion behind
him. The governor, the councillors
and the commanders had betaken
themselves to the governors house.
where a great dinner was to be given.
But Master Piersey, the Cape mer-
chant, remained to see the company
reimbursed TO the last leaf, though
one couple trod not upon the heels of
another, as they had done an hour
agone.
Il must first satisfy the treasurer
L said. coming to halt within So
feet of the now deserted high places.
She drew her hand from mine and
looked me up and down.
How much is it?" she asked, al
last. Il win pay it."
l stared at her.
Cant you speak?" she cried. with
a stamp of her foot AT what am
valued? Ten pounds-fifty pounds
''At 100 pounds of tobacco. madam
l said, dryly. Il will pay it myself
To what name upon the ships list
do you answer"
Patience WORTH" she replied
l left her standing there, and weur
upon my errand with a whirlin2
brain. Her enrolment in that com
pany proclaimed her meanly born
and she bore herself as of blood royal:
of her own free viii she had crossed
an ocean to meet this day. and she
held in passionate hatred this day anC
all that it contained; she was come
to Virginia to better her condition
and the purse which she had draw
from her bosom was filed with gold
pieces. To another I would have ad-
vised caution, delay. application to the
governor, inquiry: for myself I cared
not to make inquiries.
The treasurer gave me my receipt
and I procured, from the crow;5
around him. Humfrey Kent, a good
man and true. and old BelfieId, the
perfumer, for witnesses. With them
at my heels | went back to her, and.
giving her my hand, was making for
the nearest minister, when voice at
little distance hailed me, crying
out: This way. Capt. Percy!"
1 turned toward the voice. and De-
held the great figure of Master Jere-
my Sparrow sitting cross-legged, like
the Grand Turk, upon a grassy hill
lock. and reckoning to me from that
eleva tion.
''Our acquaintance hath been of the
shortest" he said. genially. when the
maid, the witnesses and l had reached
the foot of the hillock, but l have
taken a liking to you and would fain
Go you a service. Moreover. / lack
employment. The maids take me for
a hedge parson. and sheer off to my
brethren. who truly are of a more cler-
zeal appearance. Whereas if they
could only look upon the inner man,
You have been long in choosing. but
have doubtless chosen He glanced
from me to the woman beside me, and
broke off with open mouth and star
ing eyes. There was excuse, for her
beauty was amazing. "a paragon"
he ended. recovering himself.
Marry us quickly. friend 1 said
CLOUDS are gathering, and we have
far to GO"
He came down from his mound. and
we went and stood before him. had
around my neck the gold chain given
me upon certain occasion by Prince
Maurice. and in lieu of other ring |
now twisted off the smallest link and
gave it to her.
Your name?" asked Master Spar
row. opening his book.
Ralph Percy, gentleman"
"And yours?'' he demanded. staring
at her with a somewhat too apparent
delight in her beauty.
She flushed richly and bit her lip.
He repeated the question.
She stood a. minute in silence. her
eyes upon the darkening sky. Then
she said. in a low voice: "Jocelyn
Leigh"
1t was not the name l had watched
the Cape merchant strike off his list
l turned upon her and made hes
meet my eyes. ''What is your name? >"
demanded. Tell me the truth
Il have told it, she answered
proudly. "It is Jocelyn Leigh"
! faced the minister again. go on"
I said, briefly.
THE company commands that TIC
constraint be put upon its poor maids.
your own free will and choice?"
AVE- she said, "of my own free
will
Well. we were married. and Master
Jeremy Sparrow wished us joy, and
Kent would have kissed the bride had
not frowned him off. He and Bel
field strolled away, and I left her
there, and went to get her bundle
from the house that had sheltered her
over night. Returning. I found her
seated on the turf, her chin in her
hand and her dark eyes watching The
distant play of lightning. Master
Sparrow had left his post, and was no
where to be seen.
l gave her my hand and led her to
the shore, then loosed my boat and
helped her aboard. I was pushing
Off when a voice hailed us from the
bank. and the next instant bunch of
red roses whirled past me and fell
into her lap. Sweets to the sweet,
you know" said Master Jeremy Spar
row. genially. "Goodwife Allen will
never miss them"
l was in two minds whether 20
laugh or to swear-for l had never |
given her f1owers-when she settled |
the question for me r. raising the !
crimson mass and bestowing it upon |
the flood.
A sudden puff of wind brought the
sail around. hiding his fallen counte-
nance. The wind freshened, coming |
from the bay. and the boat was off |