Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1904-10-13
CHAPTER XXvn.


7. 1t was evident that the com
ndant had received instructions re-
ding the very pass they presented
him for their safe conduct, because
retired with it TO the guardhouse
ere lie remained for time that seem
perilously long, aud even when at
t he came out with ii he was plainly
II suspicious and in doubt regarding
hat action be should take. 1t was
nnces who turned the scale in her
n favor aud that of her companion
Where did you get this pass?" the
mmandant asked.
AT Corbiton Manor, in the county of
lrham."
who gave < to you?'
st was given to me by General
Eomwell's direction and written al
psf in my own presence. | might say,
at least n few moments after had
en speaking with him"
'You went from Durham to Ok
rd z"
yes"
"And have come from oxford here"
ayes"
"pld you travel through Banbury?'
I'VE stopped the night at Banbury at
be Banbury Arms"
stopping there by the direction OF
eneral Cromwell himself put in the
ri, much TO the surprise Of William
rmstrong. The officer looked up at
err with interest
when did the general give you such
lstructions!'
Several days ago, at Northampton"
"You saw him at Northampton?'
ayes, and saw him again this morn
hg before daybreak."
Really. And where was that?"
at Rrouchton castle. three miles
est OF Banbury. In my presence he
old his aid TO ride to Banbury and
end word north that this pass was TO
q honored. Has the commander at
}anbury not obeyed his generals in
tructions"
eyes. he has admitted the officer
boxing with admiration on the young
Woman who spoke so straightforward
b, "hut the communication came to me
Y way of Coventry. and 1t was some
vhat vague. Tie messenger reached
ere but a scant half hour since, and
he spoke OF one person, not of two
May | ask your name?" he continued
10 the man.
civilian Armstrong"
THAT Is right. My orders are to pass
William Armstrong. holding n permit
from the general, but say nothing Of a
ady"
THAT is doubtless the messenger $
mistake" said Frances confidently.
My brother is. or was up to this morn
Ing, Lieutenant Wentworth OF the par
Elementary forces in Durham. This
morning General Cromwell wrote out
his com mission is captain, and that l
brought away with me from Broughtou
bnd sent 1t direct 10 Durham by my
Eervant. But you may detnin me If
you wish, or send an escort with me
back to the general. 1t will be a more
serious matter il you detain Mr.. Arm
strong, who is q Scotsman and whom
the general has been at some pains to
further"
Indeed. madam, ! shall detain ncl-
|ther of you. ! have had diSQuicting
news from Birmingham. There is a
rising Of some sort forward. RrmnC.
ham has already been smittpn sore by
1.-THE kings troops, so there is little fear
that the citizens have risen in his ia
|vor but ! surrnise that there has been
some sort of royalist outbreak else
where in the north. Something IS
|sfoot. for messengers have been gal
Hoping through Alcastcr TO the east OF
us for Birmingham. You heard moth
ing Of that farther SOUTH
NO said Armstrong, who never
thelcss had shrcwd suspicion where
the trouble lay IF there is any roy
nlist rising in birmingham would
like 10 avoid the place. / have no wish
20 get among the royalists. Are there
roads by which we can win east Of
Birmingham
The officer retired to the guardhouse
and brought out rude map OF the
district, which he gave 70 Armstrong
after explaipiur If He sent soldier
to set them on tie right way when they
had left the VILLAGE Whom tho soldier
had departed and the two wore oncn
more alone Armstrong turned in hi.
saddle and looked back at the frown-
ing towers of Warwicl, castle looming
I'D through The trees vorv suggastive
' 80 SNc 49, =