The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1903-09-23
CHAPTER VIII.

| II ~ oSb NullS AOh thC DElSOuSE W
5-a& be brought forward. After
GAGH2J ascending a flight OF worn
stone steps and going through a long,
dark passage, q great door was thrown
open ut the end and he was confronted
by Il blaze Of light which dazzled him
at first, until, his eyes becoming accus-
toned to the illumination, he realized
that he stood on the threshold of a
splendid hall in the old keep, which
had possibly once been the banqueting
hall of the castle. Long lancet win
dows upon n side, their loaded frames
filled with ricn painted glass, looked
out upon the sea, whose waves beating
ceaselessly upon the bluff below filed
tho room with q subdued murmur like
n strain Of hushed md vibrant music,
such was the elevation OF the tower.
The room was massivcly and splen-
didly furnished with heavy antique
furniture. The stone alls were COW
cred with hangings OF rich old tapestry
from the famous looms of Arras. Here
and there We're portraits of distinguish
cd members Of tho Westbrooko family,
women renowned for their l~ustrous
beauty OF men who, holding the castle
at different times, had made their
names famous by their bravery and
skill. The prisoners feet sank into a
thick, soft, luxurious carpet stretched
upon the stone flags of the old floor.
Writing ut n large table standing
neal the center of the room and COW
cred with candelabra sat q bewigged
old man of commanding presence dress
ed in n naval uniform covered with or
ders and stars bcspeaking high rank.
Farther away, with her back turned
to tbN light and to the door by which he
had entered, Il young sat, APP
parently reading intcntly. One glance
at the graceful curve of her neck and
the exquisite poise Of her head told
him it was she. Forgctful of every
thing else, he would have stepped for
ward had ii not been for the restrain
ing hand Of the sergeant.
"The prisoner, IN 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 lie had to
deal with 10 ordinary prisoner. He
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 n few steps in his
direction and sat down on the indicated
chair in front Of the admiral, facing
L ILL.,, -,l Ill., .r~l IL al
intent upon her book or lost in thought,
had not yet noticed his entrance. Pris-
oners, IN fact, being everyday occur
rences Mt the castle in these troublous
times, had ceased to interest her. Still
the unusual complaisance of the old
man as expressed by his voice and
manner attracted her attention. She
looked up from the book without turn
ing her head and listened.
al 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 n descent upon our
coast by the notorious pirate, John
Paul Joncs'-O'Neill started violently
and bit his lip, but said nothing-"and
it is my duty to take unusual precau-
tions," added the speaker. 81 must
ask your name, your station and bust
ness here"
al am tho said O'Neill quietly, but
with his glance fixed on the powdered
head showing over the chair back op-
posite lin.
There was a commotion at the other
side of tie table. Lady Elizabeth
sprang to her feet with a hurried ex-
clamation, dropped her book to the
floor and then turned quickly and step
ped toward the other two. O'Neill and
the admiral both rose at the same
time.
She was en- grande tenue, her hair
rolled high and powdered, Jewels spar
king about the snowy throat, which
rose from the pale blue silk OF her
corsage.
at Isl she cried.
1.-THE Marquis de Richemont, at your
service, mademoiselle," O'Neill inter-
rupted quickly, bowling low before her,
fearing lest in her surprise she would
betray him.
Good heavens, Elizabeth, what IS
the meaning of this? Do you know
this MANI" asked the admiral in great
as%tonishment.
"Bvery traveler," smilingly inter-
rupted O'Neill suavely, striving to give
Elizabeth time to collect herself, with
the appearance of the greatest sang
froid himself, though his heart was
beating so rapidly he could scarce
maintain his composure, ION these is
| lands has heard OF the beauty OF Lady
Elizabeth Howard. Her reputation as
q woman Of charm has even extended
to the continent whence I come. It
was in the hope of having the privilege
Of seeing her that I walked up toward
the castle this evening. I have no the
honor of her acquaintance, monsieur"
"Do you know this man, Elizabeth ,"
persisted the admiral sternly, his JUS
picions aroused by her actions.
There was evidently some mystery
about his coming, and the girl was
quick to sec that to proclaim O'Neilrs
name and occupation would probably
place MIN In an embarrassing position,
to say the least. She recovered herself
by a great effort and, turning languid-
ly away, remarked witt, well assumed
carelessness:
III Certainly not, sir. I have never
heard Of the Marquis de Rfchemont be-
fore In my life" The statement was
absolutely correct, the Irishman's rank
having been kept strictly in allegiance.