Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1904-05-03

legs. "Out of the way, curse you"
The animal plunged aside, and Foy
came at Armand like the mailman he
was.
The officer threw himself off the
horse too late, as Henry rushed for
ward. Armand stood perfectly still,
his hand pressed to his side, where
stain was spreading crimsonly among
the white ruff1es.
'Bear Witness" Rolph said with cool
ness, turning to the soldiers, that Cap
tain Foy is not himself for liquor"
"There has been no liquor drunk late
". You meant murderw Henry turn
ed fiercely upon Fey, who, his rage sui
lenly sobered, stood biting his nails.
Enough, gentlemen" interrupted the
officer. "There will be time for that.
have his excellency's orders to bring
all here In his command to the fort.
Captain Foy, Mr.. Rolph. lieutenant, 1
call on you to accompany me without
delay to town"
''yer are hurt, monsieur" cried Hen
~, throwing an arm about the young
Frenchman, who staggered slightly:
"Sir, you will not leave him SO, bleed
ing, here by the roadside? Greenway
Court is not far distant. In the name
Of humanity ask you to assist me to
take him where he can have proper
attention for his wound"
II have imperative orders, sir. Mount,
gentlemen"
''Well to leave him to the dogs!'
burst forth Foy in a sudden simmer Of
white fury as he turned in his saddle.
"And you, you upstart rebel, Virginia
would long have been the easier for
your gibbeting!'
Their hoof beats grew fainter, then
were gone in darkness and echo, and
Henry, feeling the young mans form
grow suddenly limp, laid him gently
down upon the turf.
The baron had driven from Winches-
ter that night with hurt in his gall
LIANT old breast. When he settled back
in his seat his hands trembled greatly,
clasped atop his sword. The huge
chariot, drawn by four wild ponies
that would 60 at any gait except trot
together, swung swaying from its
leathern springs, and the road seemed
very long.
"Are we almost there, JoeY" he ask
ed more than once.
And the old negro riding behind him
would reply stoutly. "Almos' dar, Mars
Torn; almos' dar.''
The fog, fold on fold, shut out the
beauty Of the wssy;. Lower in the
wooded valley the shadows lay very
thick, like dead men strewn on a battle.
field. Riding, he heard the leaves fall
like the illusions of youth, like hap
piness. like glory, like power.
almost there, Joe?"
"Almos' dar, Mars Torn; almos
dar."
Up the craggy way flicker Of light
stabbed down through the drab-lace
tree traceries, and the chariot, turning
in to the clearing amid clamorous dogs
woke the cloistral silence of Greenway
Court. A negro came out, beat back
the dogs and let down the step, and
the old man descended, leaning on Joe'f
arm.
Joe brought my lord his supper Of
ivenison and bordeaux, standing behind
his chair till his master was done. Thi,
was not long tonight.
My lord took up a book, but threw i
down again. Then he lit his pipe ant
sat long silent till the fire domed black
ening. Joe came in, piled pine knots
on it and went shutting out again
The hounds yawned about the hearth
or whimpered softly in their dreams.
,Crackling steps reused them, an6
they scrambled out to bay and sniff
and yelp, when the negro dubbed then
back.
A heavy tread stumbled up the steps
An aged mastiff, curled under the ole
mans chair, hunched shoulders, growl
ing, and the baron, sitting by the dead
hearth, with the ashes fallen from his
l pipe, turned his head.
Henry stood on the threshold, carry
ing Armand in his arms.
AS his bearer stood, rocking. thu
| young man stirred, opened his eyes
| wide on the baron and thrust down Iii
legs. my lord" he cried gayly, bu