The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1902-07-24

shoulder. / was in evil case when the
girl cried in my ear that there was
door at our backs. With a shout !
sprang out and drove them back
step, then turning, ran after her within
the door and bolted and barred it in
| their faces.
Within was utter darkness, and we
felt our way along through a narrow
passage till we reached a room with
a window that gave us bit of the
moon. There was a door, but it was
fast on the other side, and the win,
dow was heavily barred. Plainly we
could go no further, unless we could
raise the house. l raped with my
dagger hilt, but there was no answer
After many trials l gave over, not
thinking it wise to betray our plight
to those on the street.
How fares it with you, girl?"
said, drawing my companion to where
the moonlight fell. l had expected tc
find some simple, burgeoise maid. anc
10. my gaze fell upon one richly
/ dressed with the air and carriage of 2
gentlewoman. Half girl and hall
grand dame she was, and the fairest
my eyes had ever lit upon. And with il
all some trick of the memory made me
know that / had seen her face before
by our lady!" l cried in sheer sur
prise. "Who are yon and how came
you here?" With that l took off my
cap and bowed with all respect.
Why" she anwered with a smile.
to see me so lost in wonderment, my
carriage was stopped and l was taken"
"Ha!" l cried. This is the doing OF
Sir Charles Anthony"
"Truly l think So" said she. "and
think also that l shall have no peace
from him till some brave man removes
him from this world" And with this
she looked at me with broad signifi-
canoe in her gaze.
Gas for the rest" she went on. I
am Eleanor Fairfax, now grown to
woman's full estate, as you may see.
That | am here. I have to thank Sir
Francis Beauclerc."
l stood silent in surprise, hardly able
to trust my ears and eyes, and yet it
was the girl with whom l had been
brought up in Devonshire.
"Not Sir but plain Francis Beau
clerc," [ said, at length.
Tut" she answered, as one who
brings good news, you are behind the
times. Your worthy and loving broth
er is dead these seven days. and even
now messenger searches for you to
wish you joy"
l would have poured upon her
flood of questions, but here her eye
fell upon a broad red smudge upon my
coat. In vain did | make light of the
cut upon my shoulder, though in faith
twas shrewd wound and letting out
more blood than | liked; she would
have my coat off instanter, and then
with my dagger she cut open my shirt
and very delicately bound up the
wound with kerchief and scarf, be-
moaning herself the while that she
was the cause Of it, and pouring out
thanks for her rescue, and praise of
my sword play till felt myself flush
ing like a schoolboy. Indeed, so ten
der was the touch of her slim, soft fin
gers, so sweet the perfume of her,
and so enhancing the sound of her
slow, clear voice that l would willingly
have had dozen wounds for her to
dress.
And then was enacted anew the
story which no mans lips are weary
uttering, and of which no w6man's ear
shall tire. We sat down upon the
steps that led to the door to wait for
the morning light and sooth to tell
made hot love and she, at first protest
ing and shy of listening, came by de-
grees to hearken, and presently, as it
grew chill, l put my coat upon her
shoulders. and with my arm about her
drew her close, the while l whispered
in her ear.
And then, all of sudden, our love
dreams were shattered in an instant.
For there was a crash as the street
door was battered down, and in
poured a press of men with torches,
Sir Anthony at their head, crying:
'Rescue for Mistress Eleanor Fairfax!
Death to her abductor!" And even as
they came on, the door above us
opened and down the steps came
armed house servants, also with
torches and lanterns. And then when
all paused an instant to see what was
coming next, the girl at my side broke
out into hysterical laughter.
'To think" she cried, that I have
fled for refuge to mine own house and
knew it not" For it was even so, and
the house servants clustered about
her with hearty welcome and con-
graduation, while Sir Charles and his
men stood astonished and hesitating.
Then came my turn.
'Sir Charles Anthony" said, fling
ing my glove in his face. 81 denounce
you as the abductor of this maid. my
childhood's playmate and the lady of
my love. On guard"
Before the words were out of nv
mouth he lunged straight at my heart,
and had | not been as quick, he had
caught me unaware. But | was as
quick as he, and in another instant our
blades were clashing in the deadly
music of steel upon steel. Nor was