Omaha daily bee., 1903-05-31

at last before superior might. showed that
Providence had stricken him with mortal
disease. And even as he walked. with his
distinguished Tetinue respectful and obedi-
emit behind him, his enemies were plotting
against that shortening life-plottlng In
secrecy and fear, for we'll they knew that
did the earl Of STAFFORD but suspect, he
would strike first and hard.
Some of the highest in the land walked
humbly behind him. accommodating their
steps to his faltering. yet determined,
tread, and showing more Difference to
Thomas Wentworth, earl of STAFFORD than
they would have shown to the king. For
here stepped the real ~king-whose shattered
frame still was to be feared more than
that OF the most stalwart man in all Merry
England that day.
He walked the grounds of the king as IL
he owned them. Although no echo Of the
eiamoring of LondOn's mobs came to his
ear, he knew that at that moment they
were crying out against him. And he de-
spised them as he had despised the turbu-
lent land of Ireland which he had held
namb under his strong hand until he obeyed
The Ommand OF Charles to travel to Lon
Con.
Despite the seriousness OF the time, the
conversation OF the party was light and
frivoiing as then obtained at court. But it
was interrupted suddenly.
From behind IA thick tree there stepped
a girl. She was tall and slender, with
brave eyes fun of the blackness, the mys-
terry and the power of night. Black, too,
was her hair. flowing in beauty over
shspely, proud shoulders.
Her costume betOkened the country rather
than the court. but It's lack Of fashionable
eut OF texture was not noticed In that COM
pony OF men. and the admiring looks that
rested on her showed that in their eyes she
was full admirable.
Ny lord OF STAFFORD" she said In a
clear. sweet voice, Il crave q word with
yOa I'm private"
The earl, startled into surprise at her
nESt appearance. frowned blackly with an
RoTance at the daring interloper. He spoke
no word. but his underlings were accus-
toned to study his face apprehensively.
swiftly two attendants placed themselves
Us her side. ready 10 seize her did his lord
ship give the word. The huntsman. more
onactOus still. lOOsed his dogs that had been
HaAEIing at her.
They dashed forward soon as the leaah
was slipped. But the girl sprang nlmbIy TO
TIE tres. and as she leaped backward she
Whisked from the scabbard Of an amazed
attendant the light sword with which he
was supposed 10 guard his master and
himself.
-Can on your hounds, ~viIlain!' she cried
in a voice that rang imperIous ommand
Il order you. not for myself but for them.
I would rather wound a n.un than a dog.
Se0un<srel. sou shall feel the sting OF this
paint IL yOu do not Instantly oDey."
IA thin blade darted like an adder's
tongue. xeips showed it's potency. and the
dDEs. quick To know that they were over
matched, contented themselves with noisy
cutlery at a safe distance.
At a glance from the earl the hunts
man leashed them again. ptranord gazed
darkly at the girl.
What do you wish? he asked.
Il have told you. my lord. i wish n word
In your private ear"
Speak out what you have to say"
Ills TO be heard by none but the earl
q STAFFORD; no. not even Oy the king
himseif."
II have no secrets from the king"
"Nor need this be one. IT'S yours 10
proclaim 1t to the world at your pleasure.
Bat nrst II Is for your ear alone. Send that
painted pOpinjay to the rear with the dogs.
The others are gentlemen and win retire
q their own accord when hey learn a lady
Wishes to speak privately with you"
A laugh went up from the British mobiles
al ths reference to the painted poplaIsy.'
who was none less than DE COurcy. one Of
the great band Of FreBchmen who were
favOrities at court because the cOnsOTt OF
CHARLES had a predilectiOn for her country
men-a preference shared by none but her
hasband- They were regarded as titled
mereenaries certainly. sptes probably.
dividing the unfortunate king still further
from his suspicious people.
De Courcy fumbIed with MS sword hilt.
mutterlng ansrfIy that he was prepared 10
meet any who might wish to make the
girls seornfui remark his own But STRAIT
fOrd's fierce glance quelled the rising diff
ference. HaFshly he said to the young
woman:
with this prOvisO: II the news you make