The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1903-09-18

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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 filled
the room with subdued murmur like
q strain of hushed and vibrant music,
such was the elevation of the tower.
| The room was massiyely 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, had made their
names famous by their bravery and
skill. The prisoners feet sank into
thick, soft, luxurious carpet stretched
upon the stone flags of the old floor.
Writing at a large table standing
near the center of the room and COW
cred with candelabra sat a bewigged
old man of commanding presence dress
ed in a 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, young woman sat, ap-
parently reading intentlv. One glance
at the graceful curve Of her neck and
the exquisite poise of her head told
him 1t was .he Forgetiul or every.
thing else. h, would have stepped for
ward had it not been for the restrain.
ing hand of the sergeant
''The prisoner, m lud," said the lat
ter, saluting.
The admiral continued lis writing a
moment and then, looking up, fixed his
eyes keenly upon the young man. His
first glance told him that lie 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'NeilI 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. Pris-
oners, in fact, being everyday occur
rences at the castle in these trOublous
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.
81 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 apprehcnd 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-
tions," added the speaker. 81 must
ask your name, your station and bust
ness here"
81 am the said O'Neill quietly. but
with his glance fixed on the powdered
head showing over the chair back OPP
posite him.
There was q commotion at the other
side of the table. Lady Elizabeth
sprang to her feet with a hurried ey-
clamation. dropped her book to the
floor and then turned quickly and step
ped toward the other two. O'Neill 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 is she crIed.
''The Marquis de Richemont. at your
| service, mademoiselle," O'Neill inter
| rupted quickly, bowling low before her,
fearing lest in her surprise she would
! betray him.
Good heavens, Elizabeth. what is
the meaning of this? DO you know
this MANI asked the admiral in great
establishment.
EVERY traveller" smilingly inter-
| rupted O'Neill suavely, striving to give
! Elizabeth time to collect herself. with
the appearance of the greatest sang
| froid himself, though his heart was
! beating so rapidly be could scarce
! maintain his composure. "on these is
lands has heard of the beauty of Lady
! Elizabeth Howard. Her reputation as
woman of charm has even extended