Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-27
CHAPTER XII.
EnuneShed.

than a lad. who wished him a courteous
good morning as he passed.
Armstrong stopped him by asking as TO
the best road to the southwark ana they
fell into conversation. 1t transpired tia'
the young stranger also was bound TO Ok
ford and soon Armstrong. who was won ny
the youths engaging manner, proposed "
him that they travel together as far on the
way toward Manchester as their roaos
might serve.
But" said the youth. you must nave
patience with me while l stop in the park
of Lord Rudby to have converse with his
lordship's daughter"
"You fly high. young SIR said Arm
strong, smiling.
.Why should l not? Although she is the
sweetest angel that ever visited this glad
earth she makes descent when she joins
her hand to mine. l am Thomas Went
worth eldest son to the late Earl OF Stra1-
ford.
They had been travelling knee to knee in
the narrow way but now Armstrong pulled
up and looked at his companion In amaze
ment. -
DO you mean the minister to the King
OF England?
Yes There was no other"
Then you perhaps about to visit
Charles at OXford?'
"Ah. | have already told you more than
was wise on so short acquaintance, said
Wentworth, trying another tack 1ou
yourself gave me lesson in retlcence mo-
ment since. and you have not been so gar
rulous concerning yourself as |. l do not
even know your name, although l suspect
your native land lies north of us"
Sir l am William Armstrong, and Scot
land is my country. AS two swords are
better than one. l shall be most glad to
travel in your company. 1 may say, how
ever. that / hold a pass from Cromwell
himself. So if you are a kings man you
NAV not wish to be MON,
who journeys in hades must have the
devils leave. answered Wentworth jaunt-
ly. Il myself abroad through Crom-
wells permission. and I'll venture my pass
Is broader as we'll as longer than yours. tbs
sometimes well to have friend in the enc
mys camp, and my friend pretends he can
get anything from Old Noll. Read it, if you
think I'm boasting."
Wentworth handed the document to the
Scot, who read and returned it.
Mine is but limited permit compared
with this"
They had reached the park by this and
the youth dismounted and disappeared in
the shrubbery Armstrong sat silent occa-
sionally leaning over to stroke the neck of
the steed he held in tether. He loved all
animals, especially horses. and they recip-
rocated his affection. Suddenly the silence
was shattered by cry hoarse with rage.
4 have been watching your approach
per1ured scoundred! You shall not escape
me this time"
Sir, sir. l beseeech YOU" came the en-
bear arms against you Listen but mo-
ment. sir"
Draw. you dog or die the death of one
SIT implore you; l cannot draw with
you opposed, Sir. let me say a word-oh,
There was clash of steel then the
brief cry of pain and now silence again, all
so quickly accomplished. that first word
and last were uttered in that the time ARM
strong leaped from saddle to earth He
searched hurriedly for the leafy tunnel
through which Wentworth had passed. but
before he found it the lad staggered into
sight again. his left hand grasping his
breast his right dragging the sword, his
face pale az chalk.
He has killed mer' he gasped
Nonsense You would not now be on
your feet if the wound mortal Who
is your aSSailant?"
1T is her father. Do not leave me: 1
faint. If-I-if IL cannot direct you. take
me down the lane. the high road. My home
the house to the right
The victim collapsed in a heap on the
sward. -reddening the grass with his blood.
Armstrong undid the doublet and flung
1t open. disclosing ebbing cash.
We'll pierced" he muttered. "An inch
to the right would have done the Job The
poor chap parried but not enough; the on
s!aught was too fierce and sudden. The
old mans intention was good, but the de-
feXion marred the thrust"
He staunched the wound with the torn
shirt and tied a sash tightly round the
body. Taking leathern flask from his
hip. he forced some fluid between the gray
lips and Wentworth. with d long sigh.
opened his eyes.
Its nothing TO boast OF" said Armstrong
carelessly. I've ridden twenty miles
worse mangled. Can you sit your horse
If put you on him.
Oh, God. OH Cod" moaned the youth
near to weeping Fool that | was to risk
all for the chance of word"
Tut there's no risk. You'll be right as
Ednboro in three weeks
Three weeks Oh. my Cod Would he
had killed me outright"
"Comrade,' said the Scot generously IF
tits your journey that troubles you I'll do
what ] can TO help YOU"
The stricken youth even in his pain felt
keener pang at the generous words of the
man whom he was 10 deceive and betray
But he braced his weakening burmese nv.
remembering CromwelIs words
The powerful Scot .aised him as if he
Were a child and set him gently on his
horse. He leaped into his own saddle so
promptly that his steadying hand was on
his comrades shoulder before the latter had
time TO sway.
Arrived 1T the house he took the lad in
MS arms again and carried him to his own
chamber. Then he heard the sound of
singing outside.
1T is my sister. Frances" whispered the
wounded man. Tell her gently
Armstrong STROBE forward to the stair
head.
The girl looked up and gave startled
exclamation at the sight of the blood on
Armstrong; doubet. Armstrong for his
words with which he had prepared himself
were clean flown out of his head leaving
IL empty as swallows nest in winter.
For he knew that he loved her in tina |,
moment. and he had never loved woman
before
At last he stammered, He is wounded.
but not seriously"
The girl sprang up the stairs without an
other word and disappeared in her brother s
room Armstrong hurried down the stairs
and sent servant post haste for the sur
geon.
That worthy man failed not in appear
ing as soon as a stout horse could bear
him. And his decision brought Frances a
comfort which she had not been able to
extract from Armstrong; practical but I'M
Scientific assurances.
There Is no cause for ALARM" said he
'if but the youths mind can be kept uu ct
But there is something that troubles h m
strangely and is like TO throw him into 2
fever that may kill. Go you Mistress
Wentworth, and humor him. whatever
may be. Do not refuse him anything b.,
sure"
Frances opened the door gently and m.
her brothers hungry eyes. She sat dow.
beside him, taking his fevered hand lie
tween her cool palms.