Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-06-21

lights seen little while after the hour of sunset
upon winters day when the traveller Petn nm b
way dist rb his serenity-Old Chronicie)
In the beginning of the year 1904, toward
the close of Il winters day, a little COM
pany of travellers rode into London by the
great highway from York; and being come
to the common at Finchley, such of the
wayfarers as knew the place looked joy
cusly for the city's lights and for that
warm welcome which the inns at Charing
would vouchsafe them. There were forty
of the company. says the record. both men
and women. of the poorer sort and of quail
ty: and while you might have archers
from the forest by Sherwood, priests from
the abbeys which the great Henry'S reign
had closed. and even merchants from the
northern towns. Joined for security to the
bowman's troop. nevertheless the gossips
by the wayside pointed first to the figure
of Lady Barbara of Ollerton, and of Roy,
her husband. and asked by what means
such folks had happened upon such vent
ure. Which curiosity had reason both in
the appearance of the travellers and in the
friendships which the road had found for
them Dressed beyond the ordinary in
tunic of Lincoln green. and fine boots of
leather his cape heavily embroidered with
fur. his spurs of gold, he whom they named
the outlaw rode with that good assur-
ance which spoke of mastership and of au-
and even the priests did not dispute his
ruling. word it may be- OF his story drop
ped here and there at an Inn door won some
sympathy for his emprise. and not a little
doubt of it's accomplishment. Long a fu-
gitive, this man who rode bravely had
won the allegiance of Sherwood as none
since Robin and his followers. His mar
rage, men said, was a story from the IA
bles- He goes to London to crave pardon
of the queen, the gOsSipS added; to whom
the knowing ones made answer: Let him
q m hyin or,t TN,
for. assuredly, he shall have need of him,
and of one for my lady, who is not of the
faith
This was their word as the cavalcade
passed on in the twilight, and one by one
the strange figures disappeared from their
view; a word of admiration for the wo-
mans face and of pity for the man who
would befriend her. In London they fore
told, there would be many to question Bar
bara OF OliertOn: many to ask the strange
history of him who now rode so CALAMITY
beside her. For those were the beginnings
OF the terrible days, when the shadow of
the Spaniard doomed already above the
city: and men remembered in whispers that
the priests were in and the devil was out
and that ii would be sorry hour for Eng
land when Philip came from Spain and won
the Kingdom for his dowry In all of which
they but echoed the gossip of London city
as good neighbOrs Oftentimes RECALLED by
passing traveller who drew rein to feed their
wonder.
Now. Roy Of Calverton had been for
many year In Sherwood Forest, and knew
little OF the queens will, of those swift
events which befell upon her accession Set
upon purpose. and sure of his contention.
he carried a great hope to the city: and
spoke of it often to my lady a his side as
one who would ask of her good courage
ana that abiding faith which first had won
her love. Many times as they approache
the outskirts he would bid her be of good
cheer and reminded her of the pleasant
hours which London could not fail 10 give
them. Nor would he hear A protest Of
q m n hal hat
expectancy which had led him from mis-
stronghold in the north.
I'VE shall lie the night at Charing but
tomorrow to the house of my Lord of Taun-
ton. he said. when Finchley was passed
ana the silent countryside encouraged them
TO confidence. II would not go in tonight
dear heart, for that would be TO knock
thrice upon their gate; and he who knocks
thrice may lack the welcome he looks for
Nevertheless. my lord has promised us shell
Ter. ana l see that it will be little Sc
curlty to enjoy the protection of such a
house. Let us not forget that we are as
those who go 20 cast all upon a single
throw. and If it befall that God is not with
us IN the venture, then have nought but
our own courage and great love for conso-
lation Yet, of that 1 will not think for
my hand is set TO the plow and God will
Ing, L Will never look back. Nay let us
carry brave resolution. for that alone will
befriend us in London city
she answered him as he would have
"ished, for the record goes that there was
no Drawer heart in England that night than
Barbara of Ollerton the outlaws wife
Your road is my road. dear husband. to
the darkness or the sunshine: / care not If
You be with me. Yet 1 would not hide IL
that We have need of our courage and OF
any friendship we can find in Lond IN citv
II L think kindly of my home it IS because I
go TO a house of strangers who knew not
my fathers name, and who may hear mine
with no pleasure of the history. Do not
count me less worthy of yOur praise if
must hold Ollerton always in my affec-
tons Nay go 10 London as one who saws
tomorrow 1t will be h0meward again."
She spoke little w:stfully, one weary
ptrchance. of the fatigue of that periIous
journey, and lacking something of the hone
Of 1t. now that 1t drew near to accomplish
ment- But month ago she had been the
mistress of a fair estate winning gladly
the obedience Of loving people ruIine
with a gentle hand that fair domain, which
Bernard, her father, had left to her And
now she was wife. and had laid her al
Ieglance at the feet of this man whom the
world called OUTLAW and EXILE" Tba
very domain she had claimed threatened to
pass from her sway: even the life of him to
whom she had given her affections was In
peru. men said. In London alone was par
don to be won, the kingdom to be found
again, the old order set up None knew
better than Roy of Calverton the hazard of
that for which they wrought. This London
city, which gave so much, should give them
an or give them nothing. That had been
MS determination from the outset
Homeward again. God grant it, he re-
torted. as he pressed his horse close to hers
ana covered her outstretched hand with his
lether gauntlet. "Homeward again wben
the work is done and the clouds are lifted
speak with no confidence to which the dav
doth not ent!ue me. Yet, dear Wife were
the price We asked a thousand times that
which shall demand Of them nevertheless
they will pay it when my story is told Ay,
fear nothing. A house for house and for
dynasty dominion Many a year in Sher-
wood forest have these about us owned no
king but Roy of Calverton, nor asked any
right. but the good service they Weld to
him. In London city 1t shall not be differ
ent- me friendship OF the forest goes with
us. dear wife Account it no little thing
since 1t has given me my right to live"
Seeking to encourage her yet more the
story says. he began TO renew the lest of
It. winning laughter of the group and a new
promise of their fidelity. and, therefron he
passed to a new ayowal OF his intention
Tomorrow. very carly IN the morning, they
would ride to the house of my lord Of
Taunton, and there claim of the janitor
that hospitality which had been offered to
them. And being established in the house
1t would remain TO seek audience of the