Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1903-11-06
CHAPTER VIII.

made prisoner by Admiral Westbrooke.
Jones about to attack the English fleet
CHAPTER VIII.
LADY ELIZABETH DOES NOT KNOW THE
MARQUIS DE RICHEMONT.
10 lEFORE he could answer an or
Io der came for the prisoner to
-aS be brought forward. After
SaaE1&1 ascending flight Of worn
stone steps and going through q long,
dark passage, great door was thrown
open at the end and he was confronted
by blaze Of light which dazzled him
at first until. his eyes becoming accus-
toned to the illumination, he realized
that he stood on the threshold Of a
splendid hall in the old keep, which
had possibly once been the banqueting
hall Of the castle. Long lancet win
dows upon one side, their loaded frames
filled with rich painted glass, looked
out upon the sea, whose waves beating
ceaselessly upon the bluff below filed
the room with a subdued murmur like
a strain Of hushed and vibrant music.
such was the elevation Of the tower.
The room was massively and splen-
didly furnished with heavy ANTIQUE
furniture. The stone walls were COW
cred with hangings of rich old tapestry
from the famous looms Of Arras. Here
and there were portraits Of distinguish
ed members Of the Westbrooke family,
women renowned for their lustrous
beauty or men who, holding the castle
at different times, hadS made their
names famous by their bravery and
skill. The prisoners feet sank into a
thick, soft, luxurious carpet stretched
u:On the stone flags of the old floor.
Writing at a large table standing
near the center Of the room and Gov
cred with candelabra sat a bewigged
old man Of commanding presence dress
ed In naval uniform covered with or
ders and stars bespeaking high rank.
Farther away, with her back turned
to the light and to the door by which he
had entered, a young woman sat, ap-
parently reading intently. One glance
at the graceful curve of her neck and
the exquisite poise o. her head told
him 1t was she. Forgetful Of every.
thing else. he would have stepped foe-
ward had 1t not been for the restfxtn.
ing hand Of the sergeant
1.-THE prisoner. M lud," said the lat
ter, saluting.
The admiral continued his writing a
moment and then, looking up, fixed his
eyes keenly upon the young man. His
first glance told him that he had to
deal with no ordinary prisoner. He
rose at once and bowed with the cour-
tesy Of finished gentleman.
Have the goodness to step forward,
sir, and be seated" he said, pointing to
the chair. Sergeant, remain on guard
where you are"
With an equally low bow to the older
man. O'Neill took few steps In his
direction and sat down on the indicated
chair in front Of the admiral, facing
him and the woman beyond, who. still
intent upon her book or lost In thought,
had not yet noticed his entrance. Pns-
oners, in fact, being everyday occur
rences at the castle in these truublous
times. had ceased to interest her. Still
the unusual complaisance Of the old
man as expressed by his voice and
manner attracted her attention. She
looked up from the book without turn
ing her head and listened.
Il am sorry to subject you to any
annoyance, SIR" continued the admi-
raj. "but the rules are very strict, and
I must abide by my own regulations.
We apprehend a descent upon our
coast. by the notorious pirate, John
Paul Jones"-O'Neill started violently
and bit his lip, but said nothing-"and
It is my duty to take unusual precau.
TONS" added the speaker. II must
ask your name, your station and bust.
ness here"
Il am the said O'Neill quietly, but
with his glance fixed on the powdered
head showing over the chair back op.
posite him.
There was commoti0n at the other
side Of the table. Lady Elizabeth
sprang to her feet with a hurried ex-
clamation, dropped her book to tho
floor and then turned Quickly,and step
ped toward the other two. ONeill and
the admiral both rose / at the same
time.
She was en- grande~tenue, her hair
rolled high and powdered, jewels spar
king about the snowy throat, which
rose from the pale blue silk Of her
corsage.
1T ts'- she cried.
THE Marquis de Mchemont, at your
service, mademoiselle," O'Neill inter-
rupted quickly. bowling low before her,
fearing lest in herssurprise she would
betray him.
Good heavens, Elizabeth, what Il
the meaning Of this? Do you know
this manw asked THE admiral in great
establishment
Every traveller" smilingly inter-
rupted O'Neill suayely, striving to give
Elizabeth time to collect herself, with
the appearance OF the greatest sang
froid himself, though his heart was
beating so rapidly he could scarce
maintain his composure, ION these is-
lands has heard Of the beauty Of Lady
Elizabeth Howard. Her reputation as
q woman Of charm has even extended
to the continent whence I come. It
was in the hope Of mving the privilege
Of seeing her that Iwalked up toward
the castle this evening. 1 have not the
honor Of her acquaintance, monsieur"
DO you know this man, ElizabethT r
persisted the admiral sternly, his sus-
picions aroused by. her actions.
There was evidently some mystery
about his coming, and the girl was
quick to Sec that to proclaim O'Neill's
name and occupation would probably
place himtin an embarra ssing inositioD.