Evening star., 1903-07-25

times in loWlying lands that We're almost
marshes TO add to their difficulties the
sun became obScured in u haze. and the
temperature dropped sharply. condensing
the moisture in the air about them, involv-
ing them i'll mist that was worse than
the darkest night. Still they struggled on.
leaving the direction entirely to their
horses. Al last they came upon what APP
peared to he cart track. and. following it,
they arrived at Il laborerS hut which faced
a lane. Armstrong. without dismounting,
knocked at the door with his sword. and Il
frightened woman. holding it ajar, an
Sw"red the summons.
We have lost our way" said the young
man. throwing her coin to bespeak good
Will: can YOU tell us where we are?'
Where are you going? asked the wO-
man. which proved somewhat difficult
question to answer.
What is the nearest town to the north
of u.s.
And how do we get to Lichfed from
here"
If YOU follow this lane to the cross
road. then take the lane to the left for two
miles, ii will lead you into the main road.
Turn to the right. and Iitchtield is five
six miles further on"
III. instead of going to the main road.
we keep to this lane, where will it lead
1T stops at the cross road"
Where Will the lane turning to the right
lead u.s.
h'll hli'".
is there any way to the north except by
the main road?'
II don't know"
How long have you lived in this cot
taee?"
"Twcuty-three years. sir"
And you know only the way to Lich
iield?''
Yes. sir"
through the fog. The limited knowledge of
| the English peasantry regarding the geOg
raphy of their own district had baiiled him
more than once during their journey, and
this was but fair example of the ignor-
anCe he had to contend against. He re-
solved to take the turn to the right in pref
erence TO the leftward lane. He feared
| lichtield or any other place of similar size
and he dreaded the main road. 1t was i'm
| possible for Cromwell to patrol the whole
| country at Il moments notice, so the by
ways would be safer if less direct. Their
| progress had been so slow that there was
ample time for a hard rider with relays of
| horses to have spread warning hard
| ahead of them. and now caution. rather
| than speed. was their game. These points
| he discussed with his companion as they
| rode along in the fog. and she agreed with
| his conclusions, Each tried To cheer the
| other. but both We're undeniably discour-
aged by the conditions that surrounded
| them
About mile from the hut they came to
| the end of their road with the horizontal
! lane at its head. extending east and west
! AS they turned to the right some object
! loomed in the fog ahead, and there came a
J sharp cry:
| who goes there
TO the left" whispered Armstrong turn
| ing his horse. Frances obeyed instantly.
/ but the man in front fired his musket into
the air and raised Il shout, whereupon four
| others sprang from the dripping bushes,
| and two of them seized the reins of the
| startled horses Resistance is useless
said the soldier hanging to the rein of the
| plungng Bruce: there hundred men
| along this lane"
! Il have no need to resist" cried Arm
| strong with affected Indignation, although
| none realized so we'll as he that the game
was up. We are peaceful travellers. under
safe conduct from General Cromwell HIM
| SELF
| The lieutenant will be here directly"
| said the man, and he spoke party of
| horsemen came galloping down the lane.
| ho fired that shot?' cried the officer
| in charge. but before an answer could be
| given he came upon the two captives. who
| are you?'' he demanded
| '"rravelers to Carlisle. who have lost their
way in the mist. and are seeking the high
| road.
III you have a pass let me see it.
Here it is