Morris tribune., 1904-09-17
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Border sa,:nr s
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- .-- ,oo- -, Author of Jennie Baxter.
Frede-i 81.
Author Of Jennie Baxter,
Journalist" Etc.

seems incredible-the king can liberate
him at word"
"They say even the king and court
have fed and that hereafter parliament
will be supreme, but one cannot believe
a 1.-THE Of what Is flying through the
streets this night. The people are mad
stark mad"
Mrs. jarrett hoyered about the young
lady in case an announcement sc
fraught with dread to all Of them
should prove too much for her, but
Frances was the most collected of any
there. ''If that is ALL" she said calmly
"'twill be but temporary inconven
ience to my father which he will make
little Of He has committed no crime
and may face with fortitude the judg-
ment Of his peers, certain of trium-
plant acquittal. Heis in London by com,
mand of the king, his master, and his
majesty will see to it, should all else
fail, that he suffers not for his obedi-
ence"
This conclusion was so reasonable
that it had the effect of soothing the
apprehensions Of all who heard it, and,
young as she was, Frances seemed to
assume a place Of authority in the es-
timation of those present, which was to
stand her in good stead later in the
evening.
1t was after 9 o'clock that there was
a rap at the door.
"Who Is there?'' asked the secretary
through the grating.
"a messenger from the court" was
the reply. Frances had come up the
hall on hearing the challenge.
"What name?' demanded the secre-
tary.
"De Courcy. Open quickly, 1 beg of
you. The mob has surged down the
street, but it may return at any mo-
ment."
"Open," said Frances, with decision.
and the secretary obeyed.
De Courcy came in unrecognizable at
first beca use of the cloak that enNelop-
ed him. The door was secured behind
him, and he flung his cloak to one of
the men standing there. His gay plum
age was somewhat ruffled, and the girl
never thought she would be SO heartily
glad to see him.
"Is it true that my father is sent to
the Tower? were her first words.
"No mademoiselle; but he is in
custody, arrested by order of parlia-
ment, and at this moment detained in
the house of James Maxwell, keeper Of
the Black Rod, who took his sword
from him and is responsible for his
safety. 'Tis said he will be taken to
the Tower tomorrow, but they reckon
not on the good will of some Of us who
are his friends, and they forget the
power Of the king"
Frances frowned, but said:
"What were the circumstances of my
fathers arrest? What do they charge
against him?"
"God knows what the Indictment is;
chiefly that he is Strafford, I think.
He entered the house of lords this aft
ernoon and walked with customary
dignity to his place, but was curtly
ordered to withdraw until he was sent
for as the commons were at that mo-
ment enunciating their formula against
him. He withdrew in the face of this
loud protest, and at last, being called,
stood before them; was commanded to
kneel, which, with some hesitation, he
did, while the articles to his disparage-
ment were read from the woolsack. !
He was then dismissed, and, once in !!
the outer r2em again: the Black Rod ;
demanded his sword and so conducted !
him, under restraint. to a carriage; no !
man Of all then present capping to him.
although they had been obsequious
enough when be entered. A scurvy !
loty. 7s--,,
Were you among them?"
"Not I; 1 give you the account as !
twas told to me, but had been in that
company, my hat would ,
have gone lower than ever before"
"You have not seen my father then?
He has sent no message by you"
Il have not seen him, but I come to ,
crave a few words with you in pri- |
vate." H
'Sir, you must excuse me. am so
tense with anxiety about my father,
can think of naught else"
"'Tis on that subject wish to dis
course. He has set in train series
Of events in which hoped to aid him,
but it is like to go awry through this
most unlocked for arrest. That is why
I was here this morning, and the COM
mission was to have been completed to-
Did he say anything to you
about it?' !
"You heard all he said to me today. ,
saw him for but moment, and that in
your presence"
II had hoped his lordship made
confidant of you, 50 my mission were
the easier Of accomplishment"
IF 1t has to do with his welfare,
am ready to confer with you. Come
with me to the library"
But before they could quit the hall
they were aware that another was
taking advantage Of the lull in the
street to seek entrance to the man