Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-07-30
"The numbering pirateW

II have resented such language and
proved its falsity upon the person of
your son, sir" burst out ONeill step
ping forward, his hand upon his sword.
shall I impose the same lesson on the
fatherW
You are a prisoner, SIR" replied the
admiral imperturbably land are here
at my pleasure to receive, not to give,
lessons. Stand back, sir! Sergeant,
bring in q file of men for a guard. De-
liver up your sword at once, sir, to
Major Coventry"
Your lordship is master here. I
obey" answered the 1rlshman, shrug-
ging his shoulders, and, drawing his
sword, he rendered IT to Major Coven.
try, who stepped forward reluctantly
to receive it.
Father" he said respectfully, $50
far as my knowledge goes Captain
Jones is certainly n gentleman. Had
1t not been for his magnanmity and
that of my fricnd-I may still call you
that, SIR"
81 am vastly honored, sir, am
sure"
my friend, the Marquis de Richie
mont, you would be childess to-day.
Had II not been for the courage of this
gentleman, Lady Elizabeth here
ooh, sir" cried Elizabeth impetu-
ously, they are men Of honor. pray
you, release this officer and let him
go free. Nay never shake your head;
/ ask it as n wedding gift to me, SIR"
MY liberty your wedding gift, made
moisele? Never" interrupted O'Neill
firmly.
Say no more, either of you" said
the admiral decisiycly. You, sir, came
here as an enemy, spy"
Not so, sir. ! came here in the uni
form OF a French officer"
But that is not the uniform Of the
flag under which you now serve" con-
tinued the admiral keenly. You may
secure some consideration however, at
my hands as representing his majesty
the king, God bless him. by revealing
the circumstances and plans and the
ultimate purpose of your rebelious
captain"
CLEARLY an impossible proposition"
said O'Neill. bowing.
But stop" said the admiral. Now
that ! recall il, you gave me your word
of honor that you came here to see
this lady"
and that is true, sir. I might have
escaped to my ship with case, in pos
session of the information desired
to get, but | came up TO the castle to
see her"
"A most foolish excursion, sir, and
why, pray"
because | love her" said ONeill
calmly.
what" cried Coventry. in great
surprise and dismay. Did you know
this, Elizabcth?'
rs woman ever ignorant of the
feelings she cXcteS in n lovers breast,
SIR" O'Neill answered for her.
"And have you-did YOU continued
Coventry, looking still at Elizabeth.
Lady Elizabeth has done nothing.
s.r. No word of affection has ever
crossed her lips, to me ut least" again
replied ONeill. she would not even
wait"
"Oh, but sh" did" interrupted Cow
entry jealousy II year six months
she tried 10 postpone her wedding for
six months more. begin to under
stand"
peace, Edward" said Elizabeth,
trembling violently. THE Marquis de
Rchomont is is nothing to me-can
never be anything to me, that is. The
wedding shall proceed ut the appoint
cd date. / gave You my word. 1t
was the wish of my mother, the wish
OF the admiral your wish
And yours also. dearest Elizabeth,
is it not+" said Coventry, taking her
hand cntrcatingly. She hcsitated and
stood silent.
'Ilayc me executed at once. sir. in
mercy and pity said O'Nell to the
admiral. Let it be now-the sooner
the better, This | cannot stand. 'Tis
too much"
"Not So" replied the admiral grave
~. II will consider the matter fur
Their and consult with you again.
Meanwhile if You will give me your
parole will allow you the freedom Of
the castle"
Parole. 'Tis given, sir. Faith, I
hardly think you could drive me
away
That's we'll" returned the admiral.
Sergeant, call my steward and have
| him assign chambers to the Marquis
de Richomont. Coventry, | presume
| You will place your wardrobe ut his
| disposal in case he needs anything.
Now the marquis will doubtless wish
TO retire. We will see him in the
morning, Come. Elizabeth. Good
night, sir, The sergeant will attend
you"
Lord Westbrookc. thank you. Ma
| ior Coventry, your servant. Lady
| Elizabeth. I wish You JOY on your wed
ding. Good night" replied the young
man, lowing to them all in succession.
As the admiral and the others left
the room, tho young lieutenant sank
upon his hands upon the table. The
old sergeant, who had seen it all
watched him moment in silence
Walking up TO him finally and lay
ing his hands on his shoulder with
the familiarity Of privileged charac-
ter he said
Come now, sir, be soldier"
You can give no worse advice than
that to a sailor, my friend" replied
O'Neill, rising and smiling in spite
of his misery. Lead on; | will fol