The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1902-08-07
V'V'V'@'~ .. q
HIGHWAY;
WOOLNC :
BY JAMES II. BEARD



that, but now, alone on the dark road,
all which the sacrifice was like to
mean came upon me with redoubled
force. Still there was no thought In
my mind OF turning back. Though my
heart was bursting, l merely set my
lips tight and rode on, on. When
mans temper is bad, his spurs are
busy. Poor Edward sprang along in
great leaps, threatening every moment
to bring us both down with broken
necks.
Suddenly brought my beast up with
jerk and listened. In a moment 1t
came again-a cry for help.
| knew every foot of the country
about, and was sure that the sound
came from an old branch of the road,
now seldom used, which ran parallel
to the one l was on. The two were
separated by perhaps fifty yards.
In moment was out Of the saddle
and had scrambled into the brush,
well knowing that at this point the
woods were far too dense to drive q
horse through. After what seemed an
interminable time l reached the Sec
ond road and stood gazing up and
down in the faint light. Then
marked my quarry, dark, struggling
mass, and again l charged wildly for
ward, sword in hand.
1t was a sight to fill saint with the
lust for murder. Two evil looking ruff
fans had just succeeded in pulling
girl from her saddle and were now
bent on tying her hands. The maid
was all but spent from her exertions
and in a pitiable plight, her dress torn
and her hair flying in wild confusion.
The villains were we'll pleased to strug-
gle with one defenseless girl, but, by
Our Lady, in another moment they
were glad enough to drop her and to
think only of their own lives.
The light In the road was bad, and
this helped me, as there was small
chance for sword play, only fierce
rushes and quick cuts, with little at
tempt at defense. One of the men went
down with my sword In his throat be-
fore we had fairly begun the fight.
His fellow touched me on the arm be-
fore | could disengage, but 1t was a
mere scratch. The man still on his
feet was far superior to me In swords
manship, but was young and agile,
and l sprang from side to side until
he lost track of my blade in the bad
light, and ran him through.
The girl was standing by her horse
when l turned. A beam Of light from
the rising moon forced its way through
the tangle of boughs and lit up her
face.
| recognized it instantly-that calm,
proud face which | knew so well and
had so little reason to love. AS looked
at her then | was forced to admit what
my anger had made me deny many
times that very morning-that she was
magnificent woman.
Now that the danger was quite over
/ was rather at loss what to do next,
but the girl relieved me of this embar-
rassment.
II am travelling to Aldgate and have
lost my way" she said. "If you can
still more indebted to you, granting
that possible" this with a glance at
the two fallen men.
my horse is on the new road some
fifty yards from here" l said. 81 my
self am travelling to Aldgate and shall
be glad to offer you my escort"
(Which | shall be even more glad to
accept" she said quickly, land were
to meet more ruffians l might not find
another rescuer 30 ready at my call"
A short distance back the woods
were more open, and after helping her
road came upon Edward and swung
into the saddle.
For some time we rode on in silence.
l could feel her eyes, however, and
knew she was reading me as only wo-
men can read men, but possessed one
her to guess
ut is very fortunate for me that
commerce should call you to Aldgate
on this particular night" she said at
last, and she could have said nothing
which | would have found more eX-
asperating for it showed clearly that
she had decided | was a clerk
81 have no business in Aldgate," |
said tartly. "Aldgate is n seaport, and
| am headed for the low countries"
THE wars?" she questioned quickly.
"The wars" | repeated with my
head high.
She answered this with low laugh
and question that made my cheeks
burn.
"What has made you suddenly de-
sire to turn soldier?"
The girl seemed to read my past life
like an open book but one fact she had
not read. nor did l intend she should.
Still there was no reason why might
not tell her part of the truth.
my father" said, "has rather a
quick temper. People say that have
inherited somewhat of it. We disagreed
on small matter"
"Your speech is brief and to the
point" said my companion. And now
principally | believe because you have
not asked me, | will tell you why am
riding alone to Aldgate. My father has
rather a quick temper. People say
that have inherited somewhat Of IL.
We disagreed on a small matter"
And then in fash | saw it all, why
she was on the road. Truly there never
was such a trick of fate as that we
should meet on this night.
at Seems that few mad words have