Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1905-01-11

sight. Twas the enemy there encamp-
ed on the Top and some way down the
sides. the smoke of their trampled watch
fires still curling among the gorse bushes
Looking down into ehe valley at our
feet. at first / saw no sign of our own
troops-only the roofs of little town.
But here heard the church bells clash
ing and drum beating, and presently
spied CLEAN of arms down among the
trees, and then a regiment OF FOOT moving
westward along the base of the HILL 1t
was evident the battle was at hahd ana
we ouickened our pace down into the
street
1t Law on the slope. and midway down
we passed some watch fires burned out,
and then soldier or two running and
fastening their straps: and last little
child. who seemed wild with he JOY OF
living amid great events, but led us pref
ty straight TO the sign of The Tree,
which indeed was the only tavern.
1t stood some way back from the
street, with a great elm before the porch,
where, by BILE, sat two men with
small company of grOomS and soldiers
standing around. Both men were more
than ordinarily tall and soldier ike, only
the bigger wore scarlet cloak very rich
ly laced and was shouting orders To his
men, while the other dressed in plain buff
suit and jack boots, had map spread
before him. which he studied very atten-
lively.
What 4 plague have we hereF cries
the big man as we drew up.
Recruits if it please you, sir said |,
lismounting and pulling of my hat,
though his insolent tone offended me.
slid, T8,e boy speaks as if he We're
Il regiment growls he half aloud.
"Can'st fight?'
THAT, with your leave. sir, is what
/ am come to try
He turned ON Billy.
And this rascalE'
Billy heard not u word, Of course, vet
answered readily:
Why since your honor is SO pleas
aEtly minded, let it be cider
Now the first effect of this, delivered
with all force of lung was TO make the
big man sit bolt upright and staring. All
this while the man in buff had scarce
lifted his eyes off the map But now he
looks up-and | saw at the first glance
that the two men hated each other.
4 think said he quietly. my Lord
Mohun h9s forgot TO ask the gen leman's
name
My name is Marvel. sir--John Mar
vel" | answered him with a bow.
"IIey!'-and he starts up and graspS
my hand Then It's you I have never
thanked for His Gracious Majesty's let
ter
..r~ba EansraI EI,ufor =" crspd I
Even SO, sir My lord, ne went on,
still holding my hand and turning to his
companion, "let me present TO YOU TIE
gentleman that in January sav'd your
house of Bocconnoc from burning AZ the
hands of the reJels.'
His lordship bowed. exceedingly sulk-
lily. But | did not value his rage. being
hot with joy to be so beprais'd by the
first captain on the royal side. Who now,
moi without a sly triumph, folding up his
may, ADDRESSED me again
Master Marvel. the fight to-day will
lie hut little with the h0rse-or 30 l hope.
You will do well. ii your wish be 10 serve
Us best, 10 leave your mare behind. The
troop which my Lord Mohun and | COM
mand together is below. But Sir Bevill
Grenville. who has seen and Is interested
in you, has the first claim; and | would
not deny you the delight to fight your
first battle under 50 good master. HI
men are. with Sir John Berkeley's troop,
a little 10 the westward; and If you are
ready 1 will 90 some distance with you,
and put ven in the way tn find him. My
lord, may we look for You preseurlyEF
The Lord Mohun nodded. Surly enough
80. Molly given over 10 an ostler, We
set out down the hill together. Billy
shouldering pike and walking after
with the groom that led SIR Ralph ;
horse. Be sure the Gen rails e0urtIy
manner Of speech set my blood tingling,
seem'd to grow full two inches taller;
and when. in the vale, we parted. he di-
reefing me 70 toe left. where through IA
gap l could see Sir BeviH's troop form
ing at some five hundred PAGES distance.
felt very de> crate warrior indeed /:
and SGT of at run, with Billy behind
me.