The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1904-02-11
CHAPTER III.
JOHN LAW OF LAURISTON.

| Unconsciously the coachman Obeyed
the unvoiced command OF this man,
who stepped out from the shelter Of the
hedge. Travel-stained, Just awakened
from sleep, disheveled, with dress dis
ordered, there was none the less album
dant holiness in his mien as he came
forward, yet withal the grace and de-
ference Of the courtier. 1t was good
figure he made as he stepped down
from the bank and came forward. hat
in hand, the sun, now rising to the top
OF the hedge, lighting up his face and
showing his bold profile his open and
straight blue eye.
Ladies' he said, as he reached the
road, Il crave your pardon humbly.
This, think, Is the coach Of my lord,
the earl of Banbury. Mayhap this Is
the Lady Catharine Knollys to whom
speak?'
The lady addressed still gazed at
him, though she drew up with dignity.
you have quite the advantage Of
us" said she. She glanced uneasily at
the coachman but the order to go for
ward did not quite leave her lips.
81 am not aware do not know"
she began afraid of her adventure now
1t had come, after the way of all
dreaming maids who pirate Of men and
conquests.
81 should be dull of eye did not see
the Knollys arms" said the stranger.
smiling and bowling low. And I
should be Ill advised of the families
of England did not know that the
daughter of Knollys, the sister of the
earl of Banbury, Is the Lady Catharine,
and most charming also. This ! might
say, though it's true | never was in
London or in England until now"
AS though it We're another person,
Lady Catharine heard herself murmur,
And you, sir?"
Il am John Law, of Lauriston, Scot
land. madam, and entirely at your
service. That is my brother viii, yon-
der by the bank" He smiled, and the
younger man came forward, hesitating-
ly, and not with the address of his
brother, though yet with the breeding
of gentleman.
The eyes of Mary Connynge took in
both men with the same look, but her
eyes, as did those of the Lady Cath
arine, became most concerned with the
first speaker
my brother and are on our first
journey to London" continued he, with
a gay laugh which did not consort
fully with the plight in which he
showed. I'VE started by coach, as gen
tlemen; and now we come on foot like
laborers or thieves Twas my own
fault Yesterday | must needs quit
the Edinboro' stage. Last night our
chase was stopped, and we were asked
to hand our money to pair of evil
fellows who had made prey OF us. In
short-you see-we Jared Ill enough.
we could along this road where we
both are strangers. At last, not able
to pay for better quarters even had we
found them. we lay down to sleep.
have slept far worse. And It's lovely
morning. Madam, thank you for this
happy beginning of the day"
The face OF VIII Law hardly offered
complete proof OF this assertion. He
had slept III enough, and in the morn
ing light his face showed gaunt and
pale. Here, then was situation most
inopportune; the coach OF two ladies',
unattended, stopped by two strangers,
who certainly could not claim introduce
ton by either friend or reputation.
81 did but wish to ask some advice
of the roads hereabout," said the elder
brother, turning his eyes full upon
those OF Lady Catharine. "As you see,
we are in III plight to get forward to
the city. II you will be so good as to
tell me which way to take. shall re-
member 1t most gracefully Once In
the city. we should do better. for the
rascals have not taken certain papers,
letters which | bear to gentlemen In
the city-Sir Arthur Pembroke | may
name as one-a friend OF my fathers
who hath had some dealings with him
in the handling OF moneys have
also word for others. and make sure
that. once we have got into town, we
shall soon mend our fortune"