Evening bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1895-1912, 1903-12-14
CHAPTER VIII.
LADY ELIZABETH DOES NOT
KNOW THE MARQUIS DE
RICuEMO\T

1
Before he could answer an order
came for the prisoner to be brought
forward. After ascending a flight OF
worn stone steps and going through
! long. dark passage, great door was
thrown open at the end and he was
confronted by blaze Of light which
dazZled him at first, until. his eyes be-
coming accustomed TO the illumination,
realized that he stood on the threshold
Of a splendid hall in the old keep,
which had possibly once been the ban
quoting hall Of the castle. Long lancet
windows upon one side, their loaded
frames filled with rich painted glass,
looked out upon the sea, whose waves
beating Ceaselessly upon the blum be.
| low filled the room with subdued
murmur like a strain OF hushed and
vibrant music, such was the elevation
of the tower.
The room was massively and splen-
didly furnished with heavy antique
/ furniture. The stone walls were Gov
cred with hangings of rich old tapestry
from the famous loOmso Arras. Here
and there were portraus of distinguish
ed members OF the Westbroke family,
women renowned for their lustrous
Ibeauty or men, who, holding the castle
, at different times, had made their
names famous by their bravery and
I skill. The prisoners feet sank into a
, thick, soft, luxurious carpet stretched
+ upon the stone flags of the old floor.
Writing at a large table standing
near the corner Of the room and COW
cred with candelabra sat n bewigged
old man of commanding presence
dressed IN a naval uniform covered
with orders and stars bespeaking high
rank Farther away, with her back
turned to the light and to the door by
which he had entered, young woman
sat, apparently reading intently. One
glance at the graceful curve of her
neck and the exquisite poise of her
head told him 1t was she. Forgetful
of everything else. he would have step
ped forward had II not been for the
restraining hand of the sergeant.
The prisoner, m lud," said the lat
ter saluting.
The admiral continued his writing a
moment and then, looking up, fixed his
eyes keenly upon the young man. His
first glance told him that he had TO
deal with no ordinary prisoner lie
rose at once and bowed with the cour-
tesy of a finished gentleman.
Have the goodness TO step forward,
sir, and be seated" he said, pointing to
the chair. Sergeant, remain on guard
where you are"
with an equally low bow to the older
man, O'Neill took few steps in his
direction and sat down on the indicated
chair in front of the admiral, facing
him and the woman beyond, who, st!ll
intent upon her book or lost in thought
had not yet noticed his entrance. Pris-
oners, In fact, being everyday occur
rences at the castle in these troublous
| times, had ceased to interest her. Still
the unusual COmplaisance of the old
man as expressed by his voice AMI
manner attracted her attention. She
looked up from the book without turn
ing her head and listened
Il am sorry to subject you to any
annoyance, sir" continued the admi-
raj, but the rules are very strict, and
/ must abide by my own regulations.
We apprehend descent upon our
coast by the notorious pirate, John
Paul Jones"-O'Neill started violently
and bit his lip, but said norhing-"and
IL is my duty to take unusual precau-
tons" added the speaker. Il must
ask your name, your station and bust
ness here"
Il am the"--said O'Nell quietly, but
with his glance fixed on the powdered
head showing over the chair back OPP
pOslte him.
! There was COmmOtion at the other
side Of the table. Lady Elizabeth
sprang TO her feet with a hurried eX-
ciamation, dropped her book to the
floor and then turned quickly and step
ped toward the other two ONeill and
! the admiral both rose al the same
time.
She was en- graade tenue, her hair
rolled high and powdered jewels spar
Killing about the snowy throat, which
rose from the pale blue silk Of her
Corsage.
1T is"-she cried.
The Marquis de Richmont. at your
service, mademoiselIe" ONeiu inter-
ruptcd quickly, bowling low before her,
fearing lest in her surprise she would
Detray him.