Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-05-03

nit, but there was no answer. Alter
many trials | gave over, not thinking
it wise to betray our plight to those
in the street.
How fares it with you, girl?" l
said, drawing my companion to where
the moonlight fell.
l had expected to find some simple
bourgeois maid, and 10! my gaze fell
upon one richly dressed, with the air
and carriage of a gentlewoman. Half
girl and half grand dame she was,
and the fairest thing mine eyes had
ever lit upon. And with it all some
trick of the memory made me know
| had seen her face before.
by Our Lady," cried, in sheer
surprise, who are you and how came
you here?"
With that | took off my cap and
bowed with all respect.
Why" she answered, with smile
to see me so lost in wonderment, my
carriage was stopped and l was ta-
ken"
Hal" cried, this is the doing of
Sir Charles Anthony"
Truly | think so," she said, land
think also that shall have no peace
from him till some brave man re-
moves him from this world" And with
Ills she looked at me with bread sig
nificance in her gaze
"As for the rest" she went on, II
am Eleanor Fairfax, now grown to
womans full estate, as you may see.
That am here | have to thank Sir
Francis Beauclerc."
stood in surprise. hardly able to
trust my ears and eyes, and yet it
was the girl with wnom l had been
brought up in Devonshire.
Not Sir but pain Francis Beau
clerc," said at length.
"1ut!" she answered, as one who
brings good news, you are behind
the times. Your worthy and loving
brother is dead these seven days,
and even now messenger searches
for you to wish you joy"
would have poured upon her a
flood of questions, but here her eye
fell upon a broad red smudge on my
coat. In vain did make light of the
cut upon my shoulder, though in faith
| twas a shrewd wound and letting out
more blood than | liked; she would
have my coat off instanter, and then
with my dagger she cut open my
shirt and very delicately bound up
| tor Coo ,f
bemoaning herself the while that she
was the cause of it and pouring out
thanks for her rescue and praise of
my sword play till l felt myself flush
ing like a schoolboy.
Indeed, SO tender was the touch Of
her slim, soft fingers, so sweet the
| perfume of her, and so enhancing the
sound of her slow, clear voice, that
would willing have had dozen
wounds for her to dress.
And then was enacted anew the
story which no mans lips are weary
uttering, and of which no wOman's
ear will tire. We sat down upon the
steps that led to the door to wait for
the morning light, and, sooth to tell,
| made not love, and she at first pro-
testing, and shy OF listening, came by
| degrees to nearken, and presently
as it grew chill, put my coat upon
her shoulders, and with my arm about
| her. drew her close the while l whis-
| pered in iler ear.
And then, all of a sudden, our love
dreams were shattered in an instant
For there was crash as the street
door was battered down, and in pour
er press of men with torches, Sill
Charles Anthony at their head, cry
ing:
Rescue for Mistress Eleanor Fair
fax! Death to her abductor!"
And even as they came on the door
above us opened, and down the steps
came armed house servants also, with
torches and lanterns. And then when
all paused and instant to see what
was coming next, the girl at my side
broke out into hysterical laughter.
ITO think" she cried, that | have
fled to refuge to mine own house ant
knew it mott"
For it was even so. and the house
servants clustered about her witt
hearty welcome and congratulation
while Sir Charles and his men stood
astonished and hesitating. Thel
came my turn.
Sir Charles Anthony" l said, fling
ing my glove in his face, 81 denounc'
you as the abductor of this maid, m.
childhood's playmate, and the lad.
of my love. On guard!"
Before the words were out of nj.
mouth he lunged straight at my heart
and had not been quick he had caugh
me unaware. But | was as quick al
he, and in another instant our blade
were clashing in the deadly musi
of steel upon steel. Nor was the is
sue long in doubt. With ner eyes up
on me | was as one inspired, and in
moment more my point drank deepl
at his heart, and he fell face down o.
the stone tagging with clatter
And then. before them all, Mistres
Eleanor Fairfax put her white arm
about my neck and lifted her lip
for ner first kiss.-John Dickinson
Sherman in Illustrated Bits.
THE JAPANESE RED CROSS.