Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-05-25

month later aboard the Duchess or
Gordon, anchored below Staten Island,
playing at draughts. His late surrender
of Boston to General Washington had
ruffled his equanimity. But now Gin.
ton had Joined him, haggard from the
trouncing Moultrie had given him In
South Carolina, and his lordship's
brother, Admiral Lord Howe, had hove
to in the harbor with prodigious new
army In fleet of 100 sail My lord,
therefore, felt very comfortable again
The generals opponent at the table,
Lord Chetwynde, wore lace In his
sleeves and smoked n foreign cigarette,
from which he flicked the white ash
daintily with his little finger. AS he
sat, one felt his eyes, kind of cold,
keen, speculative humor in them. An
other officer, Sir Evelyn Clarke, sat
with legs wide apart near by. The
glazed sconccs were brilliantly lighted.
and the room rocked pleasantly as the
ship rose and fell to the wash.
An aid, pausing at the cabin door,
saluted
"Wcll?" asked Lord Howe. "Any
one else for me?"
"No, sir; for Lord Chetwynde He
brings personal communication to his
lordship."
Very well; bring him down; with
your permission, of course, my lord"
And his lordship turned to the game
again.
II would the admiral might haste
with his olive branch" he yawned,
studying the draughtboard through
lazy eyelids. "'Tis most uncommon
dull here. Hell, Hull and Halifax
egad! I'd as lief be prison governor
at any one of them"
LESS room for your cursed expert
ments, l suppose, Charles. You were
always fond of them at Halifax" COM
mentcd the single spectator in an Irish
brogue. "Why, my lord, remember
just before he sailed (may you never
run another jsil, Charles) he let ras-
cal out on 4 secret service and took
his promise in writing to come back to
him in month to the moose. hope
you'll invite me to meet him when he
returns. Eth? What! May bet the
devil my head, but there he is noww
The pair at the table looked at the
face of the man who had entered and
Mt his dress of purple velvet frayed
with travel, and Lord Chetwynde start
ed to sudden incisiveness.
Louis Armand"
The newcomer bowed and stood ST.
lent, waiting.
.You return In accordance with our
contract, presumeT
Eyes, your lordship."
"You are n day late"
81 was not aware Of your lordship's
transference."
Burn me. but he's been to Halifax!"
exclaimed Lord Chetwynde under his
breath.
He sat moment nursing his chin.
Then he seized a paper, wrote q line
and added his signature. 81 am al
ready Informed of your attempt" he
said, land of your failure. Egad, these
petticoat patriots are everywhere!
However, that was not your fault
regard only the honesty of your pur-
pose. Here is your relense from the
tenalty. Consider yourself at liberty"
Armand read the paper and then
handed 1t back. II cannot accept it,
your lordship," he said.
"Why notY' demanded Lord Howe In
establishment.
II did not intend to deliver the mes
sage given me to the congress. Had
been admitted should have delivered
n very different one"
MAY bet the devil my headw ejac-
ulated Sir Evelyn.
Lord Chetwynde flung away his Gig
arctic, his keen eyes on Armand's, and
tore up the paper slowly. "That alters
the case" he said. my aord, l sup
pose l shall have to trouble you to
hang this honest renegade for me-"
"Too pleased" said Howe. "The first
thing in the morning, Charles. Take
him on deck and come and finish the
game"
"My obligation is at an end" asked
Armand.
"Of course, of course" acquicsced
his lordship. Excuse me, my lord;
I'll be back presently. Prccede me, if
you please"
He opened the door, and his prisoner
passed before him to the star lighted
deck. The next instant Armand had
leaped to the bulwarks and thrown
himself into the sea.
There was strident confusion, q rum
ming forward Of marines and turning
Of lanterns on to the water Better
lower boat" advised Lord Chef
wynde.
mo time for that" Sir Evelyn's
voice was at his elbow. "a hundred
yards and you'll never find him. Guard,
| send your surest marksman here to
pick him OF"
"There he Isl" bawled voice us the
sharpshooter came forward II see
his head"
Il think" said Lord Chetwynde, clay
ing hand on the weapon, "that I'll
have shot myself" Taking 1t from
the mans hand, he laid the long bar
rel ON the rail and drew slow and
careful sight.
Better be quick, SIR" counseled the
guard anxiously. Hes n strong swim
mer. He'll be out of range presently"
"Sir Evelyn" spoke his lordship test
lily, "a little farther from my elbow,
please. There, I've lost sight Of him!
Eth? Where? oh, yes" He sighted
again with deliberation and fired.
Missed, by Harry" he cried in q
tone Of chagrin.
The stars rocked dimly in the tide.