Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1901-01-30


IN box Of polished maple. The whole
time, by the side Of her best headgear."
Neither the perllission nor the order
is necessary" said Charles, laughing, as
| the usher stepped hastily forward,
stoutbuilt yeoman following close TO his
heels, with his broad, round face a good
deal flushed from excitement.
word from Buckingham caused the
usher to fan back, while, with firmly
planted steps, the man made his way to-
wards the spot where the king stood.
When arrived within a short distance of
him, happening to catch sight of the
Duke of Buckingham, he stopped with
a puzzled air. and scratching his head to
assist his memory. alternately regarded
the king and the duke
Il should say that this was the king"
said he. in low tone TO himself, fixing
his eyes ON Charles, though the other
one is dressed such a nation deal finer"
Wiser heads than his have supposed
that the divinity that doth hedge king
is made of no better stuff than laces,
ribbons and jewels, so don't be pulled
up George said Charles, addressing
Buckingham. who, like himself, was in
finitely diverted at the mans mystifca-
ton.
Another look, longer and more search
ing than the others had been, appeared
to overcome any lingering doubt, and APP
preaching Charles more nearly, he knelt
at his feet, at the same time hugging a
parcel. round which was wrapped a
snowy napkin, closely to his breast.
What is your wish, my good friend?"
said Charles.
1T is only that your majesty" and
he busted himself with nndoing the nap
kin, as he spoke. would graciously please
TO accept this curry-comb."
'0ddsfsh, man. better give it 10 my
groom"
Not for a gold ducat," said the man,
world Al; lin have it touch horsefesh."
Why, there's nothing dangerous about
it, hope?' said Charles.
No; an please your majesty, but it
would be putin slight on my good
Dame Margery, who has kept it in the
maple box with her best headgear ever
since | curried the bay mare with it that
carried your majesty beyond the reach of
those who were seeking for you"
Let me see" said Charles, adjusting
his periwig. II think | have some REG
lection of a bay mare that served me, G.
a certain occasion, which might have
claimed kindred with the wind as far
as speed was concerned, and it was we'll
for me that it was so. A dozen blood
thirsty dragons kept me in sight for ten
minutes or more, then ali but one began
to lag, and it wasn't long before he fol-
lowed his example"
Her name was Speeasfoot, please
your majesty"
"She was well named. Yours is Hen
drick Dykes"
1T IS, please yoar majesty"
'It does please me, and that right we'll
to meet you in place where, at the time
you did me such good service, there APP
peared little chance of my ever being ad-
mitted. ] thought, at the moment of your
entrance, L had seen that honest face be-
fore" said Charles.s Then speaking to
some one in attendance, he gave orders
that Hendrick should be provided with
refreshment and lodging, WHILE turning
to Hendrick himself, he charged him not
to go away in the morning till he had
either seen or heard from him.
Il thought" said Harleigh who, with
two or three others, was standing a little
apart. that Gilbert Falkland was to be
here this evening"
so he is" said he whom he addressed.
II shouldn't wonder if, instead of being
lined with gold, which would enable him
to resume with fresh spirit his old habits
of luxury. his pockets were found to CON
tain nothing better than few worthless
grants signed with the mark of some
Indian chief. wilder than his lands"
He mad hardly finished speaking when
Falkland made his appearance.
''Ah, here is my patentee, fresh from
the new world" said Charles, cordially
giving him his hand Il heartily welcome
you back to merry England, even if you
are the owner of as many acres as are
contained in my United kingdoms"
Il can assure your majesty" said Falk-
land. that there would be ample space
for my domain between the Thames and
the Tweed, the whole of which is not
worth the space shaded by the Royal
Oak. When the grim old Puritans called
that part of the world a bowling wilder
ness. they couldn't have hit on a more
appropriate appellation. it being inhabit-
ed chiefly by bears and wolves"
II half expected" said Killigrew, ad-
dressing Falkland, that, during your alb
sence you would espouse the red-skinned
daughter of some Indian chief, and bring
her here to Hume and enliven the court,
with the jewels in her nose and the bells
round her ankles
Il have seen an Indian maiden re-
plied he, whose brilliant eyes would
shame the rarest diamonds ever dug from
the mines Of Golconda; | wouldn't except
even this splendid jewel"
As he spoke. he tossed upon the table
the opal flcbed by Mildred Dacres from
Alice Dale. which ia its descent. seem
ed TO flash with every hue of the rich
and tempting fruits and sparkling wines
ranged hear At sight Of it. Harleigh's
face flushed crimson. The next minute
the blood receded. leaving lip and cheek
as pale as death.
"A love token. I'll be bouad: is it not,
Falkland?" said Harry Jermyn.
Falkland smiled. but made no reply.
Il think I've seen this gem before to-
day" said Buckingham. taking it up and
examining IT, Il thought | wasn't mis-
taken. 1t is the one. Harleigh, you pur-
chased at Lingard's previously to sour
going to america"
Il don't pretend to say when or where
it was purchased said Falkland. The
first and the last time ever saw it, till
1 could call il my own. il adorned the
neck Of one more beautiful and bewitcii-
ing than the most celebrated Of the beau
ties Of Windsor, portrayed by Sir Peter
Lcly's pencil.
''You had better mind how you let the
little Castlemaine. and some others. hear
you compare your forest beauties with
those Of the court said the Duke Of