Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-12-14

TWVuE four troopers allowed the
E distance between themselves
ri and the forward party neither
to increase nor diminish until
darkness set in, when they closed up,
but said nothing. There was no fur
ther conversation between Frances and
the young man. He held himself erect
and beyond the first exclamation gave
no intimation that he was disturbed
by the prospect before him. She was
victim to the most profound detection
and was relieved when the gathering
gloom allowed her pent up tears to full
unseen.
at last the lights of Northampton
glimmered ahead, and shortly after
guard in front summoned them to
stand. The troopers behind them also
stood, but took no part in what fol-
lowed. An officer examined their pass
by the light of lantern, but did not
return it to them. His words seemed
reassuring enough.
"You are stopping the night in North
ampton?"
"Yes," replied Armstrong, although
the pass had been given up by Frances
and the officers inquiry was addressed
to her.
You may meet trouble In finding
suitable abiding place." said the officer.
more especially for the lady. North
ampton is little better than barracks
at the moment. l Will take you to the
Red Lion" Saying this, but without
waiting for any reply, he led the way
with the swinging lantern. The Red
Lion proved much less attractive
hostelry than the hospitable Angel at
Grantham. 1t seemed occupied chiefly
by armed men and resembled military
headquarters more than an inn.
You will perhaps wish to see to your
horses yourself" suggested the officer
to Armstrong.
Eyes. after l am assured that the
lady IS
''Have no anxiety on that score. I
will place her in the guardianship of
the hostess and will wait here for
you"
The assurance had all the definite
ness Of a command, and Armstrong,
without further parley. led away his
own horse aud hers, followed by old
John.
Come this way, madam" said the
officer to Frances.
He escorted her up stairway and
at the top turned to her and sold in
low voice:
General Cromwell,s commands were
that you should be brought to him as
soon as you arrived"
He knocked Mt door, and gruf
voice from within told him to enter.
He opened the door and went in, fol-
lowed by his prisoner.
II have brought the woman, general.
The man is under guard below" Say
ing this and receiving no reply, the
officer laid the pass on the table and
withdrew, closing the door behind him.
Cromwell stood at the window, look
ing down on the dark street below,
dotted with moving lights. His broad
back was toward his visitor, and no
did not turn round even when he ad-
dressed her. On chair rested his
polished breastplate and steel cnp;
otherwise he was accoutered us he had
been when she saw him on the road
His voice was hoarse
"Who are you, wench, and what are
you to this man that you range the
land brazenly together under pass
written for neither of your"
With some difficulty the girl found
her voice after two or three inef-
fectual attempts to speak and said:
II am Frances Wentworth, sister to
Lieutenant Wentworth of General
Cromwel's army"
The generals ponderous head turned
slowly. and he bent his sullen eyes
apon her. She wondered Armstrong
had moi seen the brutal power of that
coantenance even by candlelight
"Eiiiy Is your brother not in your
place."
My brother was sorely wounded the
morning he get ont and now lies be-
'we9n NE ;tnd death in our home"
Low Gaze lie wouiidely"
"Ie r:et Lord Eudby, who attacked