The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1903-09-11
CHAPTER VI.
I.
THE MASTER PLAYER TAKES A HAM

SSS9 WnlIe squad or cavalry
came galloping upon the beach by the
road at the other end, and, at once dis
mounting, advanced up the strand.
The Seamen in the boat, in obedience
to wave of O'Neilrs hand, swept her
In toward the shore, jumped out and
moved toward him. drawing their cut
lasses and handling their pistols threat
eningly-though they were greatly out
numbered they would not give up with
out struggle. 1t was Coventry's OPP
portunity now. Il shall not be able to
indulge your desire for the loss of your
life" he said, stepping back and pick
ing up his sword, but fear that duty
imposes upon me the necessity of de-
priving you of your liberty. l regret
the necessity, believe me; it's a poor
return for your generosity. but l have
no option"
what mean you?
You are, by your own statements n
rebel against his majesty. 1t is my
duty as commander of this post and Il
loyal servant of the king to apprehend
you. Indeed. l have been especially
charged to look out for you. | will
promise you and your men the best of
treatment, however, and you liberty of
action if you will give me your pa
role"
II am twice captured then. it seems"
said the lieutenant. looking at Eliza
beth, who bad come forward as soon
as Old Price, who had left heG, had
sprung to his officers side. AZ the girl
drew near to him and Major Coventry
turned away his head to give an order
the Irishman said to he's
"Why did you not call out to save
your lover a moment SINGER
1T was not necessary" she said,
looking at him with eyes filled with
tears. Il knew what you would do"
Delay was dangerous to him. Coven-
try was posting his men. He hesitated
a moment, however, and, taking her
hand. bowed low over ii.
THANK you," he whispered grateful
". This word, and you. shall re-
member"
''And l." said the girl. her eyes filing
with tears. will never forget'-
turning at this moment. having finished
his dispositions. II think you o~erstep
the privileges of a parole, and IL you
will have your men lay down their
arms we will so up to tho castle.
have sent for carriage for 700, Eliza
beth which will be here shortly
do you know" said ONeiIl. shat
nd TO 20
as well die right here az at any place
else, and do not think shall 80 to
that castle, after all. There are seven
of us here
CLOSE in therew sharply shouted
Coventry to his soldiers, who obeyed
aim promptly. Make ready-'
Handle your pistols, menv' cried the
,ther, whipping out his own. but again
Elizabeth interfered in the frey. She
Tan between the American seamen and
the English soldiers with outstretched
hands.
Stop she cried. There must. be
no further fighting here. This gentle
man came to this spot to do me favor,
10 set me free. My life is his
Il give it back to your cried O'Neill
And yours, Major Coventry, was his
tlso," she added reproachfully.
Il give it to him as we'll, and If any
more lives are wanted anybody can
have mine for the taking" interrupted
he sailor again.
This must go no further" continued
he girl.
And it shall not. madam cried a
ieep, clear voice as one Of the cutters
If the Ranger, filled to the gunwales
With heavily armed men. and with a
wivel in the bow and a man standing
over II With a lighted match In his
hand, came sweeping around the head
land and dashing in toward the shore.
1t was under the command of Jones
himself, who had grown impatient at
the delay.
81 am sorry to interrupt tete-a-tete
gentlemen" he cried.
you are beaten again, Major Coven-
try" said O'Neill calmly. "The odds
are in our favor now. Throw down
your arms instantly. you dogs" he
shouted to the English soldiers. Back!
Out of the way, Miss Howard"
He sprang to her side and, clasping
her around the waist as if she had been
child, lifted her out of the line Of fire.
The jealous Coventry noticed two
things-he did not release her, nor did
she struggle to get away. The sullen
soldiers rallied about Coventry and
presented their arms threateningly;
they had no mind either to yield with
out fight.
'Stand BY" shouted Jones to the ma
rines in his boat and to the gunners
forward.
"Stop, for Gods sake stop, Captain
Jones! You have been good to me-"
cried Elizabeth, now struggling family
to escape from the grasp of O'Neill. 81
know that you are a gentleman. That
officer is my betrothed. Withhold your
fire. They will retire. There must be
no bloodshed. You promised to set me
free and in safety ashore and leave me
there. Go. entreat you!"
STEADY, lads, steady" cried Jones.
stepping out of the boat. "And you,
sir" to the English officer, will you
withdraw quietly, taking your lady
with you, of course, if we engage to do
the same? You are outnumbered, and
we can cut you to pieces. Take the
word of an older fighter. your honor
I @ To Gu