Omaha daily bee., 1903-06-21
June 21, 1903.

pOrarlly ODSCured II.
Some nights since. as l was making for
the English line, l stopped for refreshment
at an inn where had been accustomed to
halt in my travels. To my amazement 1
was refused admittance by a man who
stood guard. We had bit of debate
which ended in my overpowering him and
forcing entrance, and which was more
surprised, the dozen there gathered to-
gether, or me with their sentry under my
OXter, il would be difficult to tell. Swords
were drawn, and l might have come badly
out Of the encounter had it not been that
a friend of mine among the assemblage
recognized me"
4 shade OF perpIexity had overspread the
grim face of the general as this apparently
simple tale went on. He leaned his elbow
on the table and shaded his face with his
open hand from the light of the two can
dies, thumb under chin and forefngcr along
his temple. At this point in the discourse
he interrupted:
IL suppose you wish to mention no
names?"
IL see no objection" continued Arm
strong, innoccntly. IL take it that the
men were quite within their right in gath
ering there although l cOntended they
exceeded their right in trying to keep me
out of a public house. My friend was tha
know, and was not introduced, but in the
course of the talk l gathered that the one
who had the most to say WAS Henderson
a minister of Edinburg, who spoke much
as was to be expected from his trade
Well, these gentlemen, finding l was for
England, asked me to carry message
to the king, but | explained that l had n
wish to interfere in matters which did not
concern me- and they parted to meet again
somewhere else"
DO you know where?"
IL think in Lord Trdquair's own castle,
but of that am not sure
This is interesting. We shall, of course
try to prevent any messenger re lching
the king but l do not understand why you
connect the incident at the inn with your
detention.
There was a great splore about a spy
that escaped and | have no doubt if he
saw me there, and heard the proposal
made to me, he might well have brought
my name and description across the border.
At least that was the way l reasoned it
out with myself"
1T is very like you are right Spies, un-
fortunately seem to be necessary when
country is in a state of war. Many un-
justifable acts are then committed, in
cluding the arresting of innocent men, but
/ am anxious nothing shall be done that
will give cause Of offense to Scotland; u
God-fearing country, and a friendly. When
such injustice happens, as it has happened
in your case, | try to make amend How
far south do you propose to travel?'
Il may &c the length of Manchester or
birmingham. The distance and the time
will depend the state of trade
'Tf you will tell me the places you in
tend to visit 1 will include them in the
pass I shall now write for you"
That l cannot just say at the moment.
/ wish to follow trade wherever 1T leads
me-"
Then an inclusive pass, extending as
far south as Manchester will meet your
needs?'
"It will more than meet them, general
said Armstrong, with supreme indiffer-
ence.
The commander took up his pen, but
paused, and still shading his face, scru-
tiniZed the man before him.
"As | am not likely to see you again,
perhaps it would be well not TO limit
It to Manchester. You may wish to travel
further south when you reach that town.?
1T is barely possible"
"As you carry no message from Ira
QUAR- to the king, l can write Oxford
on your permit easily as Manchester"
Thank you, general, but Manchester
will be far enough"
Il may say that we are strict about those
whom we allow to journey to and fro at
the present time, and If you should over
step the limit of this document you are
liable to investigation and delay, and l am
not like to be near at hand on the next
occasion"
Il quite understand, and if l wished to
go further south 1 would have no
. hesitation in begging permission OF your
Excellency, but l doubt il ! shall even see
Manchester"
You will not be leaving CorbitOn until
the morning. of course?"
mo general. / know when / am well
housed"
Then, as l have much to do. l will make
out your paper later, and II will be handed