Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1901-06-20
The Daily Short Story
THE GUIDE.
a Tale of tho Time when the Duke OF
Monmoath Claimed the
British Throne.

"Is this u true tale of thine, sirrah,
that thou hast told my sergeant?" de-
manded Anthony Grace. captain of
Monmouth's Light horse. ''Dost thou in
deed know the way among these cursed
bikes and bitches of Sedgemoor as well
as the wine pot knows the way to my
MOUTH" The other nodded. Hold up
the torches there and let me see this
springald's face"
"AIonmouth's man" and his would be
guide stood looking at each other in ST.
lence for n long minute. They were in
differently well matched in height and
in personal comeliness, and Sergeant
Thomas Dove noticed with n tinge of
surprise that the eyes OF both young
men were of curious yellow color. like
the eyes of hawks.
The would be guides straight young
limbs were clad all in duffel gray, and
frieze cap was pulled we'll over a
forehead too white for countryman's,
while Anthony Grace's tall figure was
wrapped I'm "A scarlet cloak whose gay
coloring part hid and part accumulated
the worn leather OF his jerkin and the
ragged lace cravat about his throat.
Grace said sharply. Il can sec for my
self. Does It happen to you to have
tongue as well?"
"Aye, captain"
"And you know these rhines that you
would guide us among them? You
know them-well?"
AYE, / know them"
"Dove, my horse, and lead up your
troop closely and quietly as may be.
Now, friend, we'll test your skill, but
If you think to play will-othe-wisp
among these rhines bear in mind that
have a naked sword in my hand. Dost
understand"
AYE. Please you TO mount, captain,
for presently the moon will be up, and
we can walk safer in darkness"
"Egad. but / and White Bess can
not" muttercd Anthony Grace, n few
minutes later, as he and his troop toll
ed and fioundered over the treacherous
moor after the silent guide. Art sure
OF the way. sirrah? 'Sdeathi Who shows
a light yonder:"
"Will-o'-the-wisp. captain; come TO
lure you away" said the guide. with n
low laugh, land drown you in a mud |
hole and take your soul into his COM
pany. Mistress Grace will wait you
long
There is no Mistress Grace. fool"' |
Anthony Grace said irritably. Peace |
now with your chatter"
There is no peace in England now, |
Captain Grace; only n drawn sword. |
Please you. have a care with your |
horse. for here we come upon the deep |
rhines"-
Ten thousand curses said Anthony /
Grace i'm a fierce whisper as his mare |
suddenly plunged. struggled and slip |
ped down the steep bank OF n ditch and
he had to throw himself in haste from |
the saddle just in time to avoid fall. |
whittier have you brought us. fool? /
White Bess hath broke her leg"
''WeIl. and what matter?"
Hist! Not SO loud, my cOckcreli"
And Anthony Grace brought the fiat of |
his sword down sharply on the lads
shoulder. Hast gone crazyY
what matter, 1 say?' And the
guides voice rose to a shrill cry. what
matter, Captain Grace, If a mares leg
or a mans neck or maids heart be
broken for King Monmouth? And If I
I'M cockerel l will crow, since the day
is so near, though l crow no more for
ever. \ Monmouth a Monmouth.
Mon Anthony Grace's sword cut
the word in two.
cad" cried Sergeant Dove. pressing
forward. forgetful for the moment Of
discipline. 1--WE have walked into a trap
We are nigh upon the enemy's
camp. sir. l can hear the stir of pick
eted horses. Hark ALL Shall l bid
sound the recall, captain? They have
heard or seen us yender."
Then n bugle in the kings camp rang
shrilly out in the call TO arms, and the
little troop of Monmouth's men drew
closely together and stood steady, eX-
pecting an instant attack. The moon
had shaken herself free of her clouds
now, and her uncanny silver flooded
the rhines, showing up in sharp relief
the dark figures of Monmouth's pike
men and the shelving ground before
the troop, where their captain stood
looking down with daZed eyes at the
slim figure lying at his feet
"My God" he said. staring at the
tossed yellow hair that had fallen with
the fallen cap and lay round the up
turned face like frame of carved gold
setting great pearl. 1T is Jennet Ash
ton. and I have killed herr"
NO" the false guide gasped, king
he killed me first. Tony.