The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1903-10-23

S~~S~SvVV~V~VVv
Tne rope, being relieved OF the weight
Of the body, of course ran rapidly
through the block, and the men hauling
1t pitched pellmell over themselves upon
the deck. There was a moment of in
tense excitement The seamen on the
other side of the deck, cheering wildly,
started eagerly forward. The officers,
sword in hand. Sprang in front of them,
driving them back. The marine officer
aft brought his men at once to atten-
ton with sharp word or two, and
every piece was ready in case of dis
turbance. Pearson, white with rage at
the interruption, leaped forward
what is the meaning of this?" he
shouted. who has dared to interfere
In this manner?"
Il, sir" replied Coventry fearlessly,
looking up from his place by the uncon-
scious man.
and by what right. SIR" cried the
enraged captain. Though you be the
son of the admiral, you shall dearly
rue this unwarranted assumption Of
authority. What excuse have you to
offer for interrupting the sentence of a
court martial? What reason can you
urge for your presumption
Boat ahoyr' cried seaman sta
toned at the port gangway
Sir" said Coventry. quietly meeting
the eye of the thoroughly Infatuated
captain, IF mistake not, you will find
my excuse in that boat"
'Well for you, sir. if it be there!
Never in my twenty years of service
have l been so braved, and on my own
ship too! See what boat it is said the
captain. turning to one of his midship-
men, ''and find out what is wanted"
The lad came running back presently
and saluted.
"'Tis a lady, sir-the governors
ward-Lady Elizabeth Howard. She
wishes to come on board' he said.
LADY Elizabeth Howard This is
no place for women. This man is still
to be hanged. What can she wish?'
exclaimed the captain, frownng.
Receive her at once, sir. beg" said
Coventry. "She has a paper-my ex-
cuse, sir" he added, smiling
"Show her on board" said the cap
tain shortly to the midshipman. Then
he looked down on the still unconscious
form of O'Neill. "Send a surgeon here
at once, SIR" he continued, and as the
latter presented himself, us the man
dead?" he asked.
mo, SIR" said the surgeon. examin-
ing him hastily and making ready to
apply some necessary restoratives, for
which he dispatched an assistant to
the sick bay.
Get him in shape, then, and quickly,
for another attempt. for hang he shall
If he has to be held up for it!' ordered
the captain sternly.
At this moment the midshipman, fol-
lowed by Lady Elizabeth, pale as
death, a blue boat cloak which belong
ed to her guardian, which she had
caught up in the castle. fluttering in
the breeze, her hat gone, her hair d.
sheveled, her hand clutching a paper.
broke through the little group.
Captain Pearson-where is hep she
cried nervously. Then. as her eyes
fell on the PROSTATE form of ONeill
she dropped the paper to the deck,
covered her face with her hands and
rocked to and fro in agony 'Oh, my
love, my love! Too late. too later she
walled, faltering.
Not so. madam" said the captain, |
turning toward her. ''The man still
lives. the surgeon assures me. He has /
but tainted. Have you warrant to !
stop the execution? If not it must 90 !
on, and it shall go hard with Major |
Coventry as we'll"
1.-The prisoner is reprieved. sir. Here |
is the paper" said Elizabeth. life COM
ing back to her, sealed and signed !
by the admiral himself Oh, | had IL
q moment since! Where has it gomez"
Here it is. your ladyship." said one !,
Of the officers. lifting 1t from the deck !
and handing it to her
There" she said. presenting 1t to
the captain. He opened it deliberate j
ly and glanced over the brief con-
tents. She watched him with a nerv-
BUSINESS she vainly attempted to con