Evening star., 1903-08-01

inclination, but his horse as we'll, who
viewed with evident disapproval the de-
parture of his mate. At the summit of the
first hill the girl turned her horse across
the road facing west. waved her hand to
him and disappeared over the crest. And
thus the journey went on, sometimes two
miles between them sometimes less. Man
chester was seen and left in the rear. He
tried to catch up with her, but she
kept valOrously ahead as If she were some
tabled siren Turing the poor man on For
q time he lost sight of her, then, as he
mounted a hin, saw her standing on crest
mile away, like an equestrian statue
against an inky sky. but this time her horse
faced the east, and he thought she was
motionng with her handkerchief in that
direction. She stood there until he sent ms
horse over the hedge. and made in the di-
rcction of a forest then the darkness SEEM
ed to swallow her up. He skirted the edge
of the wood. Rain coming down
heavily. but before 1t blotted out the land
scape he passed the head of valley and
saw dimly through the downpour a large
epcampment of white tents.
A man In draD on Il black charger stood
little chance of being seen against the dark
forest from the encampment, but he moved
on as rapidly as he could knowing that if a
hull came in the deluge he ran great risk of
detection by the OutpOStS. Some distance on
he stood for time under the trees, blessing
the long cloak, which formerly he had ma
ligned for Its ugliness, for now 1t proved of
good material and waterproof. The girl
camp. and he was at loss what to do.
Duty called him to press forward to the
north, but duty is often an tll-favored Jade.
whose strident voice IS outdistanced by the
soft whisper of beautiful woman. Arm
strong dared not shout, and the deluge
formed an impenetrable curtain whichever
way he turned He skirted the wood for
some time, then crossed the fields to the
west until he came to the road which trend
ed north from the camp. Here he stood in
the rain, and wondered whether she was
detained or whether she had already pass
ed the spot he now occupied. They had
made no arrangement for meeting again in
case they should lose sight of each other,
and he blamed himself for his negligence
on this important point. One thing was
certain. 1t was useless to stand here until
he was dissolved. Even his stout-hearted
horse had assumed an attitude of the ut
most detection, with dropping head the
water pouring off every part of him Should
the weather clear, which he was compelled
to confess there seemed little likelihood of
Ii doing he was in danger SO near the camp.
He resolved to turn north, go on until he
reached some place of shelter and there
wait Progress was slow, Tor the lane had
become a quagmre. The forest which he
had skirted extended now to the west and
the road became a woodland track, but just
where it began to penetrate into the wilder
ness there shone upon him ray OF hope:
From an overhanging branch Of the first
tree hung a limp and dripping white rag,
tied by one on horseback in such a position
that 1t might brush the face of rider
passing that way He took 1t down ana II
proved to be a lady's handkerchief. If he
had followed the edge of the wood he could
hardly have missed 1t; If he came along the
lane he was almost certain to see 1t. he
thrust this token under his cloak and CHR
ruped to his discouraged horse. When
something like a mile had been cast behind
him his horse neighed, and was answered
by another further ahead. Then he came to
a forester's hut and In an open shed, shell
ha CT
of Bruce who showed lively pleasure at the
encounter.
Inside the hut a cheerful sight met his
ewes A fire of fagots blaZed on the hearth,
and before 1t stood a radiant young woman,
arranging the brands to their better burn
ing with the tip of her boot. On high
stool was spread, her steaming cloak. In
far corner sat the old forester and his old
wife, lowering on their visitor and their
newly arrived guest for strangers were
viewed with universal suspicion by high and
low, little good ever coming or them IN the
minds of the peasantry, while the chance
of danger was always present; danger
whether hospitality was proffered or with
held. There was more chance OF entertain
ing devils unaware than angels. and well
the afflicted poor knew 1t.
However, less risk lay in succoring steel
cap than a feathered hat so the moment
the dripping horseman showed in the door.
the old woman rose and began to set out
meal Of dark bread and swine's flesh, boil
ed and cold
"Ah, here you are at last cried the girl.
II was beginning to fear 1 should have to
go back to the camp for you. Did you find
my token?"
"Yes."
'Give it to me-"
mot so. Findings are keepings. You cam
not prove your right to the property"
ALAS, honest travellers are few as these
good people seem to think. Throw off your
cloak. Here Is a wooden hook by the fire
that / have kept for 1t. Draw up your stool
and eat. I was SO hungry that didn't wait