The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1903-10-02
=. something warning him of an

"Allow me-" said the admiral, pass
ing his snuffbox, from which both gen.
tlemen helped themselves elaborately.
81 have here" continued the old man,
drawing piece of paper from the
| desk as they walked toward the center
! of the room. neither of them noticing
| the picture at the moment, as it was
| behind them. ''some account of the life
and adventures of one Gerald O'Neill,
some time gentleman of the County
/, Clare. in Ireland. who rebelled against
his gracious majesty King George H.,
| of blessed memory, in the year 1I45
His lands were escheated to the crown
! his life forfeited. Unfortunately for
us, and fortunately for him, he escaped
| to the continent, entered the service of
Louis XIV. and became
"You may spare me any further de-
tails, my lord. | know them too well.
He became a marshal of France, and
| my father"
1.-Two great honors. surely" said the
admiral, smiling pleasantly.
81 thank your lordship for the compli-
ment. Pray proceed"
81 have here also, brief account of
the history of another gentleman i'll
whom | doubt not you are deeply in
terested'
"And that Isl
zone Barry O'Neill, marquis de
Richemont."
"Your very humble servant. sir"
UVo,,r i'm fiop loac Won honor
MARQUIS" said the admiral playfullv.
Faith, sir, you read me an easy rid-
de-"
81 find that you have been concerned
in every reasonable plot against his
majesty which has been hatched on the
continent since you were out of lead
ing strings"
Rather hard. but true. sir An Irish
man. you know. is naturally rebel and
conspirator."
"Quite so. and those who are not
drowned may expect to be hanged"
said the admiral sternly.
"As l am sailor | might reasonably
have hoped for the former end, but !
have forfeited my rights by coming on
shore. | suppose" He paused. and as
the admiral nodded gravely he contin-
ued with well simulated Indifference:
"'Tis not pleasant mode Of death,
my lord. nor one that l would have
chosen. nor one that is becoming gen.
tleman, but trust shall meet it with
equanimity at least" O'Neill was
little paler than before, but still daunt-
lessly smiling.
81 am glad to see that you are man
Of such resolution. sir" said the ad-
miral "If your discretion equal your
courage, the matter may be arranged"
1T is useless to try it," was the re-
ply. ITO have known your ward, to
have seen her and to know that she is
destined for the arms of another makes
life a hell and death a pleasure"
SIS it 500" said the admiral, pausing.
Think Of the days Of your own
youth, sir. and one that you loved, and
you will understand me-"
The admiral reflected. The stake he
was playing for was so high, his desire
was SO great, that. like the woman who
hesitated. he fell. There would be
some way out Of it. surely. AS he drew
near to the moment and to the goal
his overwhelming desire took posses
sion Of him and blinded him. Desire
blinds as well as love.
"Even that" finally he said slowly.
looking meaningly at O'Neill the while,
"may be arranged
Good Godr said O'Neill. white to
the lips What is it you would have
me do? Speak! Titles. rank, station.
friends, fame. opportunities, life itself,
would cheerfully give for her who
has taken possession of me. Speak, my
lord" cried the young man entreat-
ingly.
The heart of the girl in the picture
frame in the dark corner stopped its
beating. The gates of heaven, as it
were. had been opened before her.
What was the proposition?
"Listen!" said the admiral slowly, at
last. He was sure he had him now.
81 could settle the course of the
world while 1 wait for your reply, sir.
Delay no longer. 1 pray you; l am in
torture of apprehension" said
ONeill eagerly.
81 design not to take from you rank
nor station nor lands nor position" re-
piled the admiral. Il offer you free
pardon for all your past offenses-nay
it shall cover your fathers as well, If
you wish. There shall be restoration
Of the ancient lands of your venerable
house. l will put your feet upon
ladder by which you may rise to the
very highest position. / open before
you vistas Of honorable advancement
in the service Of your rightful king in
your native land, in which there is no
limit to which a man Of courage may
not attain"
These are nothing" said the young
man impetuously, beside Lady Eliza
beth Howard. Some Of the things you
mention ] now have; some l do not
wish; some are nothing to me. But
your ward. sir-what of herY