Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1903-12-05

DOM QlQ.
"You seem to be good hand at saw
ing lives, Lieutenant O'Neill, marquis
de Richemont. Perhaps you can think
now of some way of saving your own
remarked the admiral sarcastically
""Tis useless to me now, my lord
| and not worth the saving" answered
the young man calmly. "But l would
not have you mar the approaching
nuptials of your son and ward by an
execution. Let me at least live until
the wedding. I shall be more willing
to die then" he added softly.
"You came here for what purpose?'
continued the admiral, disregarding
the latter words of the young man as
utterly irrelevant
'"To find out the number and force
and disposition of the ships in the
| harbor."
"At the instance off,
"Captain Jones, SIR"
''The numbering pirate!''
III have resented such language and
proved it's falsity upon the person Of
your son, sir" burst out O'Neill step
ping forward, his hand upon his sword.
''Shall impose the same lesson on the
fatherw
"You are prisoner, sir" replied the
admiral imperturbably, 'and are here
at my pleasure to receive, not to give,
lessons. Stand back, sir! Sergeant,
bring in file of men for guard. De-
liver up your sword at once, sir, to
Major Coventry"
"Your lordship is master here. 1
! obey" answered the Irishman, 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 gentleman. Had
it not been for his magnanimity and
that of my friend-I may still call you
that, sirY'
81 am vastly honored. sir, 1 am
sure"
-"my friend, the Marquis de Richie
mont, you would be childless to-day.
Had it not been for the courage of this
gentleman, Lady Elizabeth here
"Oh, SIR" cried Elizabeth impetu-
Dusly, "they are men of honor. pray
you, release this officer and let him
go free. Nay. never shake your head;
I ask it as wedding gift to me, sir"
"My liberty your wedding gift. made
moiselle? Never! interrupted O'Neill
firmly.
'Say no more, either of you" said
the admiral decisively. "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 rebellious
captain"
"Clearly, an impossible proposition"
said O'Neill, bowling.
"But, stopy' said the admiral. ''Now
hat recall it, you gave me your word
@ hon0r yvu came mere to see
this lady" !.
"And that is true, sir. l might have
escaped to my ship with ease, in pos
session of the information l desired
to get, but came up to the castle to
see her.
ga most foolish excursion, sir, and
why, pray?"
Because 1 love her," said O'Nein
calmly.
'-Whatw cried Coventry, in great
surprise and dismay. did you know
us, Elizabeth"
lis a woman ever ignorant of the
feelings she excites in lovers breast,
sir?" O'NeiIl answered for her.
"And have you-did you''-continued
Coventry, looking still at Elizabeth. J
''Lady Elizabeth has done nothing,
sir. No word of affection has ever
crossed her lips, to me at least" again
replied O'Neill. "She would not even.
wait"
ooh, but she did," interrupted Gov
entry jealously-'a year-six months
she tried to postpone her wedding for |
six months more. begin to under: |
stand"
"Peace, Edwardw said Elizabeth,
violently. .t'The Marquis de
Richemont isis nothing to me-can
never be anything to me, that is. The /
wedding shall proceed at the appoint
ed 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 entreatingly. She hesitated and
stood silent.
"Have me executed at once, sir, in
mercy and pity" said rO'Neill to the
admiral "Let it be now-the sooner
the better. This cannot stand. IT'S
too much" -
''Not So" replied the admiral grave
". 81 will consider the matter fur
Their and consult with you again.
Meanwhile if you will give me your
parole l will allow you the freedom of