Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1904-10-29
Author Of "Jeanie Baxter.
Journalist. Etc.

alive. And so through Yorkshire TIT
silent progress continued.
''This Is not unlike some parts of Scot
land" he said at last, in an i'll fateG
attempt to revive conversation which
he did not recognize as dead and be
yond his power to resuscitate. The
girl reined in her horse, and Bruce
stopped through sympathy, old JohI
hating, that the respectful distance be
kept nigh not be decreased Frances
held her had high, and there was {
sparkle OF determination in her eye
1t was best to begin right, and sht
would put this persistent man in his
place, task already too long delayed
And perhaps the putting of him in his
place would lessen the clamor of bel
own conscience.
"Sir, who are you?" was her amaz
ing inquiry.
ME" gasped Armstrong. "I'm a
Scotsman"
perhaps l should have said, what
are you?'
"You mean Oh, Pm a drover-a
dealer in cattle.'
odd my brother tell you who am ~
"He told me his father was the late
Earl of Strafford."
Yesterday l was grateful to you for
the aid you afforded my brother, as l
should have been grateful to my serv-
ant if he mad occupied your place, but
l should not have forgotten the dis
lance between that servant and my
self. Strafford's daughter does not
recognize a drover as her social equal.
l ask you to take the position l set
for you when I began this Journey"
"Do you mean, madam, that am to
ride with your servant?"
"That is what l mean"
Il have no objection in the least.
From the conversations we had togeth-
er he shows himself man of knowl-
edge and lover of horses, which is an
easy passport to my liking"
II am glad his company is so much
TO your taste, and l shall be obliged to
you if you fall back with him, as
wish to ride alone'
THAT will l not do under command,
for, although l may cherish old Johns
conversation, l cannot admit the claim
Of superiority you set up. am drov-
er, l said and so your ancient King
Alfred might with equal truth have
dubbed himself baker, if old tales are
true. | am William Armstrong of Gil
nochie Towers, lord Of the lands of
Langholm, Dalbetht, Stapil- Gortown,
Shield and Dalblane. L can trace my
lineage as far back as any noble in
England and come to my ancestral
thieves as soon as they. In courtesy
we Armstrong; are the equals of any
and in battle we have never
turned our backs on them. The castles
Of my clan line the river Liddel, and
when l ride with my friend, the Earl
Of Traquair, ride by his side and not
with his followers
Sir. you overwhelm me with your
grandeur" said the girl loftily, re-
)oiced to find herself in what promised
20 be quarrel. She was human, and
thought it would prove easier to rob
In enemy than friend 81 thought
he crowns of England and Scotland
we're united, but l see was mistaken.
travel with the king of Scotland, and
he Is doubtless on his way to Oxford
% confer with his brother, the king of
England.
MADAM, l go to greet his majesty
Jharles and if he dare to address me
Is you have done will tell him l am
more king of the border than he is
ling of England, and my saying will
re true"
Frances Wentworth bowed low in
mock humility
Your highness Of the border, will
'ou permit me to ride in your train? !:
know l am not worthy, but 1 ask the
'oon that | may seek consolation in
communion with my servitor."
Madam, you may ride where you
lease grufiy replied the thoroughly
ngered Scot, tingling with wounded
ride.
Sir, thank you" replied the maid
n, bowling again, land l am delighted
Aoa SOu ohOuiu CAhlDiL " OAC ~ loWly
s / an example of that courtesy of
which you just now boosted"
To this the indignant man made no
eply, thus changing his former rela-
ions as regarded conversation He
rged on his horse, and she, after paus-
ne awhile and seeing that John would
pproach no nearer, also went on, and
hus the three kept for the day their
ew relative positions. Unheeded, the
un passed the meridian, and at last
he was reused to a sense of her sur
oundings by the stopping of her un-
uided horse before roadside inn.
armstrong, his black steed brought to
standstill across the highway, sat
igidly upright, and he said when she
hus unexpectedly looked at him with
of startled appeal in her
yes
eve stop here for rest and refresh
lent.''
81 need neither rest nor refreshment,''
he answered YEARLY.
II was not thinking Of you, madam,