Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1901-09-21
XI
NJ.
or THE LONELY MAN AND THE GOLD
CHEST

tracted us across the moor found its way
out through q single narrow slit along
side the door which served the purpose of
q ride window. As we advanced towards
if the light changed suddenly to red, and
that again to green, throwing a CHASTITY
nallOr over our faces. and especially
frightening the cadaver0uS effect of Sax
on 5 austere features. At the same time
we became aware of a most subtle and
noxous odor which poisoned the air all
round the cottage. This combination OF
n0rtents in so lonely a spot worked upon
the old man-at-arm'S superstitiouS teel-
ings 10 such an extent that he paused and
looked back at us inquiringly. Both
Reuben and | were determined, however
to carry the ad venture through, so he
coutented himself with falling a little be-
hind US, and pattering to himself some
exorcism appropriate to the occasion.
Walking up to the door, | raped upon it
vita the hilt of my sword and announced
that we were weary travellers who were
seeking a nights shelter.
The first result of my appeal was a
sound as of someone bustling rapidly
about, with the clinking of metal and
noise of the turning of locks. This died
away into a hush, and | was about to
knock once more when a cracking voice
greeted US from the other side of the
door.
L
men, and less provisions" it said 1T is
but six miles to Ameslbury, where at the
Cecil Arms We shall find. l doubt not,
all that is needful for man and for
beast.
Nay, nay, mine invisible friend, -
quoth Saxon, who was much treasured
by the sound of a human voice This
is surely but a scurvy reception. One of
our horses is completely foundered, and
none of them are in very good plight, so
that we could no more make for the
Cecil Arms at Amesbury than for the
Gruner Mann at Lubbock. | prythee
therefore, that you will allow us to pass
the remainder of the night under your
roof.
At this appeal there was much creak-
ing of locks and rasping of bolts which
ended in the door swinging slowly open,
and disclosing the person who had add
dressed us.
BY the strong light which shone out
from behind him we could see that he
was man of venerable aspect. with
snOw-white hair and acountenance which
bespoke a thoughtful and vet fiery na-
lure The high pensive brow and flow
ing beard smacked of the philosopher,
but the keen, sparkling eye. the curved,
aquiline nose and the 1.-THE, upright fig
ure, which the weight Of years had been
unable to bend, were all suggestive of
the soldier. His lofty bearing and his
rich though severe costume of black vel
vet were at strange variance with the
lkImble nature of the abode which he had
chosen for his dwelling place.
"Hoi" said he, looking keenly at us.
Two of We unused to war, and the other
an old soldier. Ye have been pursued 1
seer'
How did you know that, then?" asked
Decimus Saxon.
All, my friend. I too have served in
my time. My eyes are not so old but that
they can tell when horses have been
Spurred to the utmost, nor is it difficult
70 see that this young giants sword hath
been employed III something less innocent
han toasting bacon. Your story, how
ever, can keep. Every true soldier thinks
first of his horse, 50 | pray that you will
tether yours without, since | have neither
hoStler nor serving man to whom | may
intrust them"
The strange dwelling into which we
presently entered had been prolonged into
the side of the little hill against which it
had been built. so as to form a very long,
narrow hail. The ends of this great rOom
as we entered, were wrapped in shadow
but in the center was bright glare from
a brazier full Of GOALS over which a brass
pipkin was suspended Beside the fire Il
long wooden table was plentifully covered
with cut glass TASKS, basins. tubings. and
other instruments of which | knew
uttLucT the name nor the purpose. a lOIS
row of bottles containing various colOred
liquids and powders was arranged along
a shelf. while above it another shelf bore
a goodly array of brown volumes. For
the rest there was a second rough-hewn
table. pair of cupboards, three or four
wooden settles, and several large screens
pinned to the walls and covered all over
with figures and symbols of which |
could make nothing. The vile smell
which had greeted us outside was very
much worse within the chamber, and
arose apparently from the fumes of the
boiling, bubbling contents Of the brazen
pot
"Ye behold in me-" said our host. bow
ing courteously to us. the last of an an
Gent family. | am Sir Jacob CHANGING of
Snellaby hall"
,'Smelaby it should be, methnks."
whispered Reuben, in voice which for
tqnately did not reach the ears of the
old knight.
Il pray that We he seated" he CON
tnued, land that We lay aside your plates
and headpeces, and remove your boots.
consider this to he your inn. and behave
as freely. Ye will hold me excused if
lor a moment l turn my attention from
you 70 this operation on which | am en-
gagged, which will not brook delay
saxon began forthwith to undo his
buckles and to pull off his harness, while
heuben, throwing himself into chair.
appeared to be too weary TO do more than
uhtaSten his swordbelt. For my own
part. was glad to throw off my gear,
Doi l kept my attention all the while
upon the movements of our host, whose
graceful manners and learned appearance
ton.
lie approached the evl-smelling pot,
33hd stirred it up with a face which in
Ifated so much anxiety that it was clear
sA3t he had pushed his courtesy to us so
Lar a to risk the ruin of some important
t@Ifrlment. Dipping his ladle into the
s'Hpound, he scoOped some up. and then
poured il slowly back into the vessel,
slowing yellow turhid fluid. The ap-
tsdlance of it evidently reassured him.
toI me look of anxiety cleared away
ION MS features, and he uttered an eX-
oI99uon of relief. Taking a handful of
|hitsh powder from a trencher at his
,.t' he threw it into the pipkin, the CON
UHtS Of which began Immediately to
ir'le and froth over into the fire. caus-
S ne flames to assume the strange
feehiSh hue which we had observed he
re entering. This treatment had the
go, OF clearing the fluid. for the chem
vas enabled to pour Off into bottle
an 444i.antlty Of perfectly watery transpar-