Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-13

point Of view. and were 1 in your place.
should have reached exactly the same con-
clusion."
"Then I must beg bed from you to-
night. have no wish to stay in this place,
and if you are bent for home, as surmise,
I'll just trot my nag alongside O. yours"
II was this moment going to ask you. for
1 confess I'll ride the safer that your stout
arm Is near"
The company left the inn together, and
in the middle of the road. before the house,
they found Angus, with torch. standing
guard over shapeless bundle huddled at
his feet. The bundle was making faint
pleadings to the man-at-arms. to which
that warrior was listening with stolid in
difference. The murmurs ceased as the
group of men drew near. Traquair ex-
tended cordial invitation to all or any to
spend the night at the castle. which was
the nearest house. but the others did not
accept. Each man got upon his horse, and
some went one direction. and some another
Fling your lighted torch into the loft, -
said Traquair to Angus. THAT will prevent
this wolf worrying about his property.
When you've done that, throw him across
your horse and follow US. Has there been
sign of anything else about?"
mo. ma lord" replied Angus promptly
obeying the Injunction about the torch. He
then tossed the bowling human mass in
front of his saddle. sprang into his seat and
went down the road after the two who pre-
coded him. the flames from the burning
bothy already throwing long shadows
ahead.
The Earl of Traquair, chagrined at the
temporary defeat Of his plans, inwardly
cursing the stupidity of those with whom
he was compelled to act, rode moody and
silent, and this reserve the young man at
his side made no attempt to interrupt until
they had reached slight eminence where
the nobleman refined in his horse and looked
back down the valley at the blazing stead
ing which now filled the hollow with It's
radiance
I'VE will wait here till Angus overtakes
u.s." he said. This bonfire may collect
some of the moths, and it's better travelling
three than two"
We've not far to CO." said Armstrong,
land that's blessing. for I'm on long
jaunt in the morning. and would be glad Of
my bed as soon as may be-"
Where are you off to?" asked the earl
indifferently, gazing anxiously down the
road for sight Of his follower, who was
not yet visible.
Armstrong replied with equal nonchal-
ance.
"Oh, am just away for Oxford, to carry
of England"
"What!" cried his lodrship. nearly stal t.
ing from his saddle In amazement
Surely my talk before these cuddies did
not mislead you? I'll take your message
through and bring you back an answer
II the things possible but cannot have
those fools pottering and whispering in the
matter. They must know nothing of my
going. You will meet them two days hence
accept whomsoeyer they propose, and LET
him biunder along to rebel gailows 1t
will be one blockhead out OF the way, and
then wise folk can do their bit travels un-
molested"
But how can I send papers with him
when they'll be in your pouch?"
Indeed. and that they will not be. THIS
nights work compels one to change of
program. I shall carry no papers with me-
If you let me read them I'll remember every
word, though they be as long as the
Psalms. I'll repeat them to the king with
as few slips any man in the realm 1t
would be folly for me. now that Cromwelrs
spy is on the gallop. to carry a line of writ
ing that bears relation to politics I'll be
arrested before I'm mile beyond the bor-
der. so my chance Of getting through will
depend on the search they make. II they
find nothing 1t is likely they'll let me go,
and I must manage to get back as best
can. There's no sense In being hanged for
a spy the first day set out"