The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-07-22
1T .!s, CHAPTER viii.
Espied.

sTg.gga CHAPTER Viii.
Espled.
The earl was interrupted by roar from
the sentinel outside, which caused every
man in the room to start to his feet, but
before they could move Angus came burst
ing in.
Somebody dropped from the hole on
the loft above the stables, an wuz aft ia
tn wood afore could stop him.
ITO horse!" cried Traquair Mount in
stantly, and let's after him.
IT'S useless, my Lord" said Armstrong,
quietly, the only unexcited man In the
group. "Ye might as well look for some
, particular flea in all the Hilans. He'll
have horse tied to tree and thousand
cavalry couldn't catch him, If he knows the
wilds hereabout.'
Traquir stood frowning and indecisive.
his hand on the hilt Of his sword.
Where's the landlord?" he asked at
last Angus bring him in here"
The sentinel left the room, and speedily
reappeared with a covering man, evident
ly as panic stricken as any of his guests.
Have there been some stragglers about
to-day?" demanded Traquair.
mot a soul, my lord, on my oath, not
q SOUL
rs there connection between the room
above and the loft over the stable?"
AS he spoke they heard the tread OF
the sentry in the loft.
rs that you, August" asked Traquair
In an ordinary tone of voice.
Can you hear what I say?"
Perfectly, ma lord. There's a very
cunnin' trap tween tn stable loft an this,
but the thief left 1t open in his sudden
flight"
The lips Of the landlord turned white,
but he remained motionless, painting like
a trapped animal for he giant form of
Armstrong stood with his back against
the door, the only exit.
Very we'll; come down." said Traquair,
quietly.
When the sentinel returned Traquair
babe him get rope and tie the inn-keeper
hand and foot while the prisoner groveled
for his life, his supplications meeting with
no response.
Now take him outside, Angus, and If
there is any attempt on his part to move,
or if there Is an alarm Of rescue, run him
thru with your pike and retreat on us.
AS for you, you false knave, your life will
depend on your lying quiet for the moment
and on what you tell us hereafter"
Am ia be taken AVA your merciful
lordship?" sobbed the man, who, now
that his life seemed in no imm ediate
danger, turned his anxiety toward his
property. What IL become O. tn inn,
fur there's name here ia TAX care o't?"
Wen take care OF, never fear" re-
piled Traquair, grimly.
The stalwart Angus dragged the man
out, and the door was once more closed.
II think we may venture to seat our
selves again." said Traquair, suiting the
action to the word. There's nothing
more to be done, and pursuit Is hopeless. y
All sat down with the exception Of Arm
strong, who remained standing with his
back to the door, gazing somewhat scorn-
fully on the conclave.
You will pardon me, Traquair," began
Armstrong, for you know I would be glad
to forward anything you had hand in
short of slipping my neck into a moose, but
at that point I draw back. I'll not sci
foot on English soil now, king or no king
Man, Traquair, wonder at you! The lot
of you remind me of a covey Of cartridges
holding conference In a fox's den."
I'm not going to defend the covey Of
partridges Will, but after alfs said and
done the dangers not so much greater
than 1t was before" a. =
do you think I'm fool enough to Sc,
face south when there's a spy galloping
ahead Of me with full particulars of ever,
item In my wallet? Not me! 1t was BAD
enough before. as you say; now it's i'm
possible. That is, 1t is impossible for me
for the flying man knows all about me
No; the proper thing to do is to meet a
your castle. or some other safe place. ant
choose man whose name and description
are not In the wind ahead of him."
But I've known you to clench Will
quite as dangerous task before
Its not the danger, Traquair, as much
as the folly that holds me back. I've beer
In many a foolish scramble before now, a
you have limited. but learn wisdom will
age, and thus differ from our friend Solo
mon"
"Will nothing change your decision?'
Nothing; nothing in the world; no
even anything you can say, my lord. An,
tramplng ass may break an egg, but one
broken the wisest man in the kingdom
cannot place it together again. Tonight!
egg is smashed, Traquair."
II Gamma blame you; I Gamma blam
YOU" said the earl dejectedly, drawing
deep sigh. Then turning to the others h
continued: Gentlemen, there's NOR
to be said. We must convene again
Would tomorrow, or the day after, b
convenient for your"
It was agreed that the meeting shoul
take place two days from that time.
"You are not angry with me, Traquair::
asked Armstrong.
Not in the least, VIII. appreciat
your point of view. and were I In you,
place, should have reached exactly tn
same conclusion"
Then I must beg bed from you to
night I have no wish to stay In thi
place, and II you are bent for home, as
surmise, I'll just trot my nag alongsid
o. yours"
LOT confess III tue lllS SAFER IletI you
stout arm is near"
The company left the inn together, an
in the middle of the road, before the house
they found Angus, with a torch, stand
mig guard over shapcless bundle hud
died at his feet. The bundle was maxim
faint pleadings to the man alarms, t
which that warrior was listening wit
etolid indifference. The murmurs cease
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