Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-08-13

below. followed by Elizabeth, scarcely
yet comprehending what had hnp-
pcncd. The girls heart was oXulting
madly. So far she had triumphed.
what next? When they reached the
little screened Enclosure between the
guns in which O'Neill had been con
fined the guard saluted and released
the prisoner. He had not been ironed
again. and by some oversight no n in
the confusion following the reprieve
called attention to it. AS he stepped
within the screen and Elizabeth pre-
pared to follow him Coventry inter
rupted her by holding ont his hand
with n mute glance. Was she going TO
pass him Ivy without n single word of
gratitude. of farewell even?
oh" she said. with unconscious
cruelty which pierced his heart, for
this was the second time. Il forgot
YOU" And then. as il repenting for
the situation and to make amends for
that f~orgetfulness. which was, to say
the least, most ungrateful. in spite of
III" presence Of the soamen and ma
rinc> she seized his hand. drew him
toward her and pressed a long. sweet
kiss upon his forehead.
God bless you for what you did"
she whispered.
"What You do do quickly" he re-
piled. II will replace the sentry. You
will be safe. God grant you may sue
coed. Twas bravelv done. Goodby."
"Goodhy. We shall not forget YOU"
she said. hurriedly Withdrawing with
in tho screen. And this was the only
reward he received for his sacrifice.
iiy his direction the sentry on guard
withdrew 10 the opposite side of the
deck. and he himself mounted guar
in front of the canvas. With what
feelings he paced to and fro in front
Of that little strip of cloth which alone
separated him from the woman he
loved. in the arms OF the man who
loved her-and he had put her there.
As soon as she entered the Enclosure
Elizabeth threw herself in the arms Of
the bowildered O'Nsill.
"Oh," she whispered, Won are saved
-saved-and through me-
NO. dearest; not yet" replied he,
Straining her TO his heart and kissing
her fondly. Il scarcely yet under
stand il all. Blu If | heard Alright tbs
hut a reprieve until tomorrow. Build
no hope upon 1T
1--WE will not wait for the morrow
thy dearest" she answered softly. "for
the boat swings under the countc yon-
der. When night falls and ii is quite
dark we will slip out of the port and
80 away together. In a few moments
it will be time
The Irishman caught eagerly at the
suggested idea. 1t was full of inn
probability, but il did present a bare
possibility of escape if they were for
tunate.
Very good" he whispered; excel
lent. But the sentry there
I'VE will wait until there is some
hustle on the deck" she answered.
land in the confusion and noise they
will not hear. At any rate. we must
risk it," Something told her she would
better not inform him that Coventry
was keeping watch.
How did You prevail upon the adj
miral to grant the r~cpricve?' he asked
after another pause, not unemployed,
however.
"I-well. you sec-oh, I scarcely
know how. Tho admiral loves me. YOU
knOw-I ann explain it. 1t seems
like a bewildPring, frightful dream to
mo" said tho girl, passing her hand
over her hair and turning a shade paler
as she spoke. and s%tudiously avoiding
his eye. do not speak of ii now. You
are safe for the moment-you saw the
paper-Edward alSo-it was all right,
Lei that suffice
He soothed her with tender words
and loving caresseS, The sound OF them
was death 10 the pale faced young
man, alone with his own broken
thoughts, on the other side Of the
screen. Unhcedcd the night came steal
ing over the harhor; lights in the town
twinkled here and there; the boat
SWANS whistle rang out between
decks on the frigatc. There was Il call,
a hoarse cry or two, a hurrying Of feet,
a little confusion.
Now is the time" said Elizabeth,
releasing herself from his unwilling
arms and looking out through the port.
The man is watching. | net him on
the strand as I was seeking for a boa
to bring me out To you. He is faithful;
he says he knows y%ou-has served un-
der YOU
Knows I4c,' said O'Ncill, surprised,
thrusting his head through the open
port, There, right beneath him. a little
skiH was being brought up deftly and
without noise from where it had lair
unnoticed under the counter in the
confusion since the girls arrival. The
side of the ship was in deep shadow
and the broad main chains extending
Over their heads above the ports fur.
ther concealed them from notice.
Gathering her skirts about her, Eliz
abcth slipped first through the port
O'Ncih held her firmly until the mar
below lifted her gently into the sterr
of the boat, Noiselcssly and ms quick
~ AS possible O'Neill followed her
by EliZabcth's direction he lay dow
in the bottom of the boat and she GOV
cred him entirely with her boat cloak
The M@A in the bows, whom O'Nei.