The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1903-06-28
CHAPTER I.
Assertion.

day in
"a the Home park before Hampton Court pal
ace-doomed doubIy. For the tall masterful
form bending unwillingly, rebeIliousy as a wrestler
bends at last before superior might. showed that
And even as he walked with his distineuisbe5 ret
inue respectful and obedient behind him his enemies
in secrecy and fear for they knew that did the
Earl Of STAFFORD but suspect he wouc strike first and
Some of the highest in the land walked humby
behind him. accommodating their steps to his faiter-
ing. yet determined tread and showing more defer
ence to Thomas Wentworth, earl STAFFORD. than
the real king-whose shattered frame sim was to be
feared more than that of the most stalwart in all
Merry England that day.
He walked the grounds of the king as if he owned
them Although echo of clamoring of I.ondon's
toDs came 10 ms ear he knew that at that moment
they were crying out against him. And he despised
which he had held numb under his strong hand until
ne ooeyed the command of Charles to travel to Lon
Despite the seriousness Of the time. the converse
obtained al court Fut If US Ios, a. Sieh
From behind thick tree there stepped a girl She
ness, the mystery and power Of night Black too
was her hair flowing in beauty shapeIy, proud
Her costume betokened the country rather than the
- lSCs VI L4shioLdDle cut or texture was
looks that rested on her showed that their eyes
My Lord of STAFFORD" she said in a clear sweet
voice, 1 crave a word with you in private"
The earl startled into surprise at her first appear-
interloper He spoke no word. biIt his rd jiIsg
We're accustomed to study his face Observation-Disclosures
Swiftly two attendants placed themselves at her side
ready to seize her did his ordship give the word The
huntsnan. more Offcious STILL his dogs that
had been snarling her.
Ihey dashed forward soon as the leash slipped
I sgT In9 g[l spTang nm6y to the tree and as she
an amazed attendant the light sword with which he
was , supposed to guard his master and himself
49, call off your hounds; vilain!" she cried in a voice
that rang imperdous command. Il order you, not for
myself bit for them. I would rather wound a man
point if you do not instantly obey
The thin blade darted like adder's tongue Yelps
potency do quick to know that
they We're overmatched, contented themselves with
noisy outcry at a safe distance.
AT a glance from the earl the huntsman leashed
them again STAFFORD gazed darkly the girl.
w nat DO you WiSh2" he asked.
-, IL have told you. my lord I wish word in your
Speak out what you have to say"
ms to be heard by none but the Earl of STAFFORD;
Il have no secrets from the king
to the ng5G ans De one. lis yours to proclaim it
your ear alone Send that painted popinjay to the
will retire of their they learn Iady
wishes to speak privately with you"
reference to the painted popnjay" who was none
man De CoHrey one Of the great band of French
Of Charles had a prediction for her countrymen-1
regarded as titled mercenaries certainly spIeg
probably dividing the unfortunate king stn further
De Courey funrbled with his sword hilt mutterfng
angTly that he was prepared to meet any who might
But Stranords fierce glance qUeed the rising differ
Your presence shall be rewarded but with this
P[oTSo -, II the news you make 50 much Of is not
worth the telling then shall you expiate your impu-
dence in prison"
i accept the hazard freely. my lord"
The Earl OF STAFFORD said no more butt turned
10 his followers. who withdrew into the background
at once, except De COurcy who cried angrly:
Beware, Lord STAFFORD. There may be more in
TINS than appears She has shown herself expert with
d stolen blade II is still in her hand
The earl smiled coldly.
lis but fair, he said. I should take some
chance TO equal hers III chance the stroke"
The girl flung her raper into the forest and waved
her diseneumbered hand to the departing Frenchman
saying. mockingIy:
Farewell, popiniay. he treacberO11s ever r77sl-a
suggestion of treachery."
What have you 20 say to me?" asked Strafford
severely, bending his naughty glance upon her.
Sir, her voice sank that none might by any
ihahce oVerhear sir / am Frances Wentworth
your lordsElps eldest daughter"