Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1900-05-02
CHAPTER z.
THE FLIGHT TO THE MOUNTAINR

NV ride into Blatenburg was un-
eventful verify believe that if saints
and devils had been placed alternately
for the whole way at every milepost
would not have seen them On reach
ing the city | made my way through
the crowds to the inn we had staid at
before and handed Hagart over to red
headed hostler | noticed his head be-
cause Sir Willis was of the same color
Without eating breakfast | went up
the hill toward the royal palace and
cent in my name to his majesty
He was in his dressing chamber-nCt
being an early riser, except on hunting
mornings-and told the footman to
send me in
| bowed low. and he returned my
salute graciously
After inquiring after the health Of
all connected with the house Of LISTENS
he asked my reason for honoring him
with a visit
lyon did not seem at all anxious to
spend your time with me when You
were here before. he said,
Your majesty. have come to offer
my sword. and if you have something
out of the common that humble gen.
tleman who is not afraid to fight and
ride can do for you beg the commits
sion. answered
"By heavens, sir, you have come in
the nick Of timel Here is a letter and q
little package | would like to have de-
livered at the court Of Cloburg as soon
as horses can get you there
81 will start in half an hour" re-
piled
He handed me the package and the
letter and signet ring with the royal
arms.
"Show that whenever you want a
change Of horse, he said, land here is
a purse which will cover expenses.
Good morning, sir!'
I bowed myself out and returned to
the inn, where I ate a scanty meal and
then ordered my horse. I went out of
the western gate of the city and started
away on a good road of solid red earth
Fruit trees-pears, apples and plums-
grew here in great quantities. The
meadows were high with grass, and in
fields the haymakers were at work.
The people ran to the cottage win
dows to see me dash past on my big
black horse.
At thu end of 80 miles l drew rein at
an inn door and. dismounting, gave d.
rections for the feeding and care of
Hagart, until I should return for him
Then I showed the royal seal to the
landlord and asked to have good horse
ready for me in Is minutes A jack OF
beer and few slices of cold fowl fresh
ened me wonderfully. With long leg
ged brown mare under me and the sun
still high in the heavens started off
on my second stage of 80 miles. l will
not describe the country through which
l rode, for l took little heed of it. Old
memories filled my mind. which could
not dispel
1t was dusk when | made my next
stop, but in 20 minutes 1 was off again,
with round barreled black between
my knees Frogs luted in the swamps,
bats whirled and circled and dogs
barked in the farmyards Hard riding,
above all things, is an exercise l can
stand The glory of the canter, the ex-
citement of the gallop-it was all tonic
to my moody spirits. drew rein at a
little wayside inn and struck sharply
on the door with my sword. From the
saddle | could lay my hand on the
thatch of the roof A stout old fellow
in a nightcap and little else answered
nv summons. He held a candle at a
dangerous slant The tallow dripped
over his hand.
"Have you bed for me, my MANI
| asked and showed him the signet.
He screwed up his eyes at me- 1.-The
very best, MILFORD. and the sheets all
put away with lavender.
Good l will zee to the horse my
self, said /. "while you get the bed
ding out of the lavender.
He brought me lantern and | led
the nag away, and after some trouble
yanked open the door of the stable
After fixing the good beast for the night
| looked into the neighboring stall
There stood little chestnut mare, the
very model of grace, speed and intel
ligence
"She belongs to man of taste, " |
soliloquized and went back to the inn
After a mug Ct beer mine host led the
way to draughts chamber containing