Gilpin observer., 1902-03-06

enue, the branching oaks flung slant
ing shadows. The sweetness of Bank
STA roses dwelt in the Virginia sun
shine. where the trailing vines crept
up the grey walls, and around the
jewel-like panes of the muhioned win
dows, winding about the stately col
umns that guarded the portals Of Cor
don Hall. The peace of the country
Sabbath had laid its hand upon the
daily come and go; quiet that
brought every far of moving thing
very near, in the rustic OF a mighty
silence.
Mistress Esther Gordon came slowly
down the broad winding stairs. The
light from the great oriel window
above her head. shafting down into
the gloom below. played a quivering
halo OF golden notes about the fair
young head. In the dark setting Of the
old hall, the dainty figure shone out
as some royal dame stepped down
from Romney picture. the blue bro
cade cut away from the Arm white
throat, where the pearls rose and fell
amid the foam OF lace, and the small
feet clad in the high-heeled satin shoes.
| -Four" booms the clock that towers
above her head. and as if in answer.
the thud Of galloping hoofs come up
the avenue. Lansing had been true to
his tryst, although Just across the riv-
err lay the army of CORVALLIS, and the
hail OF the pickets could be heard in
the clear evening air. There was
| a fv1c I'm - H. Il
der's spurred heel rang on the stone
step, and Lansing strobe down the
length of the long hall. goodly man,
this young continental, albeit the buff
and blue were a trifle tattered and IA
ded, the blue eyes, were bright, and
the stalwart form carried a 1.-THE grace,
that betrayed even more than the
tinged cheek, the good red blood of
Powhatan. The Romney picture
awoke. and Mistress Esther, the sweet
face all aglow, held out her two white
hands.
You foolish boy" but there is no
Gliding in the lovely eyes-and then
his grave face brought the question to
her lips. Before she could voice it the
faint sound Of distant bugle rang
across the river. Lansing sprang to
to his feet. There they are, Hide
me. Esther. for the love of the sweet
saints. hide me! 1t is the Kings
troopers"
Over Esther Gordon's face a white
ness went. Between lover and King
lay the choice OF moment, but be-
fore that tribunal where a woman's
verdict Is fore-ordained. A moment
later. and Mistress Esther's own lit
tie page was speeding the great red
roam to a hiding place In the swamp,
and Mistress Esther herself was fitting
70 key to the high carved clock that
lowered on the stair. To and fro,
swung the great round disc of the
pendulum. and the hands were point
Ing to ten minutes past four. when a
laugh. and a clatter of accoutrements
In the avenue warned them of the dan
ger close at hand.
Mistress Esther closed the case. and
hid the key among the laces about her
white throat. One little foot was pois-
ed on the last step of the stair, as the
Captain entered the door. his glitter of
| BOAA A0SO VA ehC AAah6 . oCdIlcl
up the gloom where the sun-rays failed
10 penetrate. He bowed low, as Mis-
sress Esther advanced to meet him, and
the ungloved hand. half-doubtingly
held out to her. was white as a wo-
mans. for Captain John Willoughby,
Of Ny Lord Corvallis favorite regi-
ment. was versed far better in the lore
| T.
wild colonists. who fought as Indians
from tree to tree rather than as we'll
trained troops. standing up to be killed
IN the open. There was an instant's
embarrassment. as he halted and
stumbled through the unwelcome duty
Of announcing his errand
| Mistress Esther. am forced to COM
NIT the indipnity Of asking vour nor