Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1904-12-17

progress as they beheld coming GOWN
upon them. 1t was apparently one OF
their own officers who commanded
them, and there was neither time to
think or question. AS the horses
hoofs struck the bridge the deep crash
of a cannon doomed from the castle,
and before the fugitive reached the
center there arose at the other end OF
the bridge-he could not guess from
whence they came-a troop OF horse,
as if the thunder Of the gun had called
the company magically from the earth.
Bruce stopped on the crown or the
bridge at touch Of the rein, CULVER
ing with excitement, raised his head
and gave a snort Of defiance at the
blockade ahead Of him. Armstrong
glanced back; the bridge had closed on
him like a trap, both ends stopped by
forces impossible for one man to con-
tend against.
"That cannon shot did it. Well PLAN
ned" he growled to himself, his horse
now drawn across the bridge, alert for
the word of command whatever 1t
might be. Below the swollen Eden,
Tipping full from bank to bank, rolled
yellow and surly to the sea. Right and
left at either end of the bridge stood a
mass of steel clad men, impregnable as
the walls Of the castle itself. De Cour-
cy sprang off his horse and advanced
with valor which Armstrong, sitting
there, apparently calm, had not given
him credit for.
"He's my manw he cried. "Shoot
him dead if he raises his hand!' Then
to the Scot: Surrender quietly. You
have no chance. A score Of muskets
are turned on you"
IF they shoot some Of them will
wing you. Better warn them not to
fire." replied Armstrong mildly, as If
proffering to friend advice which did
not concern himself.
"Do you surrenderY'
"Come and take me II you are anx-
ious for the thousand pounds It's
worth the money"
The Frenchman hesftated. edging
cautiously along the parapet, so that
If his friends shot he would be as much
as possible aside from the line of fire.
Seemingly his confidence in their
craftsmanship had not been augment
ed by Armstrong; warning.
IF you raise your hand to weap-
on" said De Courcy, they will fire
on you and I cannot stop them. They
will not wait my word"
II know. shall not raise my hand"
The Frenchman dashed forward and
seized the bride of Bruce.
"Come quietly" he shouted.
II WILL" said Armstrong. He leaned
forward, said sharply to his horse,
"Over, my lad!' and smote him ris-
ing blow on the shoulder with his open
hand. The horse raised his powerful
front and stood poised for a moment
like statue, then launched himself
into space. AS De Courcy felt his feet
leave the stones he let go the rein and
fell sprawling OH the parapet, but
leaned over and grasped
him by the loose folds Of his doublet.
"Come down with me, you traitor"
be cried. There was a scream of ter
ror, and the next instant the river
roared in Armstrong; ears. When he
came to the surface he shook his head
ike a spaniel, swept the water from
MS eyes and looked aloft at the great
bridge. The parapet was lined with
troopers, all stricken motionless as If
hey had been transformed to stone. De
Jourcy, one moment afoat, shrieked
'or help then sank again. Armstrong
Knew that the paralysis on the bridge
would not last long, and he turned lis.
lorse toward the bank of raw clay.
mo one in command up there ap-
,arently," he muttered. 1--WE must
make the most of it, old man."
The painting horse, breathing labori-
'usly, essayed the bank and slipped
Jack. Armstrong let loose his sodden
loak and flung it on the flood. turning
he horse that he might take the ascent
t an angle. The crowd still stared at
i'm as If 1t were q show they had
ONE out to see Bruce, his feet once
more on firm ground, shook his name
nd gave forth a wild whinny Of de-
ight. Now the voice Of command
anne in a blast Of anger from the
ridge:
"After him, you fools! What are
GU staring att"
'"Too late, my lads, think" ventured
William as he leaped his horse across
he ditch that divided the fields from
he road. Once the followers came near
i'm, and he turned in his saddle,
threatening them with his pistols, and
hey, forgetting that his powder was
vater soaked, fell back.