The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1902-11-16

his shock Of red hair stood out ike q
heather broom.
He scowled fiercely at the huntsman, arc
that cautious individual edged away from
him. bound as he was.
by my beard! as the men Of the heather
East swear" said the King. his hair some
what matches my own in hue.
Ronald, what Is the first duty of a hunts
manr'
He speaks only the Gaelic. your Ma
Jesty." explained the royal ranger
You have the Gaelic, MacNeish." con-
tinued the King. addressing one of mis- train
"Expound to him. 1 beg of you. my ques-
ton: What is the first duty Of a cunts
! man,
Macintosh. stepping forward, put the ques-
ton in Gaelic and received Ronald's reply
HE says. your Majesty. that a hunts
mans first duty is to kill the game he is
sent for"
Quite right" and the King nod1ed ap-
prevail.
ASK him II he knows as well the second
| duty of a huntsman."
Ronald's eyes flashed as he gave his an
swer with a vehemence that caused the
| chief huntsman to move still further away
from him.
he says, your NldJcsty, uouoidlC0 MAJ
| Neish. that the second duty of a hunts
| man is to cut the throat of any catela n
| who presumes to interfere with the prog
ress of the provender from the forest 10
| his masters kitchen"
Right again." cried the King, shifting his
thigh, land an answer worthy Of all COM
mendation.
TELL him this. Macintosh. that hereafter
be in the chief huntsman &c the Castle OF
Stirling.
I'VE will place this cowardly hellion in
the kitchen, where he will be safe from the
hungry frenzy Of q Buchanan, drunk or
sober"
But. your Majesty" protested the de-
posed ranger.
ITO the kitchen with him!'' sternly COM
manded the King.
Strip of the w~oodlander's Jacket he has
disgraced and tie round him the strings of
q scullion's apron. which will suit his mid
die better than the belt Of a sword"
Then the King. flashing forth his own
weapon ana stepping aside, swung it over
the head Of the Highlander. who stood like
a statue in spite of the menace, and the
sword came down with a def accuracy
which severed the binding cords without
touching the person Of the prisoner, free
ing him at a stroke.
"A murmur Of admiration at the dexterity
Of the King went up from the assemblage.
every member Of which was himself an ex-
pert with the weapon.
The freed Highlander raised his brawny
arms above his head n gave startling
vent to the war cry Of his clan. "Lech
Sloy! Loeb sloy!'' unmindful Of the pres
ence IN which he stood.
Then ho kpo1f nuyfffly aud hro,,uh% hi, vip.
to the buckle Of the Kings shoe
Gratitude in a MacFarlaner' sneered
Macintosh.
Aye" said the King, ''and bravery, too.
for he never winked an eyelash when the
sword swung above him.; an admirable COM
bination of qualities whether in a MacFar-
lane or a Macintosh.
And now, gentlemen" continued his Ma
jesty. although the affair of the huntsman
Is settled, It brings us no nearer our veni-
son.
IF the cook will not to the King, then
the King to the cook. Gentlemen. to
your arms and your horses.
They say a Scotsman fights well when
he is hungry; let US put the proverb to the
test.
I'VE ride n dine with his Majesty of
Kippen."
A spontaneous cheer burst from every
man in the great hall to the accompaniment
Of a rattle Of swords.
Most Of those present were more anxious
to follow the King to a contest than into a !
chamber.
When silence ensued. the mild voice Of !
the Archbishop. perhaps because it was !
que to his profession. put in a seasonable |
word. and the mobiles scowled, for thew |
Knew he had great influence with the Kine |
Your Majesty. If the Buchanans are
N they are drunk. my Lord Archbishop"
interrupted James. I'VE will sober them.
Ills a duty even the church owes TO the
inebriate."
And with that he led the way out of tho
nal' his reply clearing the brows Of his !
followers.
A few minutes later a Gathering caval-
rade rode forth from the Castle Of Stirring
through the town and down the path Of