The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-07-22
AOuer the Roraer
II Stirring Story gfthe English Parliamentary War
By ROBERT BARR
tory ofthe English Parliamentary Mar
Copyright. 1908. by Robert Barr.)
By ROBERT BARR

as the group of men drew near Traquair
extended a cordial invitation to all or any
to spend the night at the castle, which was
the nearest house, but the others did not
accept. Each man got upon his horse, and
some went one direction and some an
other
Fling your lighted torch into this loft"
said Traquair to Angus. THAT will pre-
vent this wolf worrying about his prop
erty. When you've done that. throw him
across your horse and follow us. Has
there been sign Of any one else about?'
mo. ma lord" replied Angus, promptly
obeying the injunction about the torch.
He then tossed the bowling human mass
in front of his saddle, sprang into his
seat and went down the road after the two
who preceded him. the flames from the
burning bothy already throwing long shad
ows ahead.
The Earl Of Traquair. chagrined at the
temporary defeat of his plans, inwardly
cursng the stupidity of those with whom
he was compelled to act. rode moody and
silent. and this reserve the young man at
his side made no attempt to interrupt. I'M
| til they had reached a slight eminence,
where the nobleman refined in his horse
and looked back down the valley at the
blazing stealing which now filled the hol-
low with it's radiance.
I'VE will wait here till Angus overtakes
u.s." he said. '"rhis bonfire may collect
ing three than two"
We've not far to CO., said Armstrong,
"and that's blessing, for I'm on long
! jaunt in the morning, and would be glad
of my bed as soon as may be"
Where are you off to?" asked the earl
/ indifferently. gazing anXiously down the
road for a sight of his follower, who was
not yet visible.
Armstrong replied with equal nonchal-
ance:
! 20, I'm just away for Oxford, to carry a
message from Lord Traquair to the king
| of England"
What" cried his lordship, nearly start
ing from his saddle in amazement.
"Surely my talk before these cuddies
did not mislead you? I'll take your mes
sage thru and bring you back an an
SER if the things possible, but I cannot
have those fools pottering and whisper
ing In the matter They must know moth
ing of my going. You will meet them
two days hence, accept whomsoever they
propose, and let him blunder along to a
rebel gallows. It will be one blockhead
out of the way, and then wise folk can
do their bit travels unmolested."
But how can I send papers with him
when they'll be in your pouch?'
Indeed, and that they will not be.
This nights work compels one to change
Of program. I shall carry no papers with
me. If you let me read them I'll remem-
Der every word, tho they be as long as the
Psalms. I'll repeat them to the king with
as few slips as any man in the realm.
1t would be folly for me, now that Crom-
wells spy is on the gallop, to carry line
Of writing that bears relation to politics.
I'll be arrested before I'm a mile beyond
the border, so my chance of getting thru
will depend on the search they make If
they find nothing it is likely they'll let
me Co. and I must manage to get back
as best can. There's sense in being
hanged for spy the first day I set out"