The Bon Homme County independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1904-1913, 1905-04-06
SILVER SPUR
go
CHAPTER XIX.

Night came. and found US but midway
between Temple and Launccston: for.
tho my comrade stepp'd briskly beside
me. twas useless 20 put Molly beyond
walk: and. besides. the mare was new
from her days journey. Billy engaged
that by sunrise we should be In sight OF
the Kings troops.
By daybreak we stood on a ridge above
q hollow vale into which the sun did not
yet pierce. but passing over 20 high
conical hill beyond. smote level on line
after line OF white tents--the prctticsi
sight. Twas the enemy there cncamp-
ed on the top and some way down the
sides. the smoke Of their trampled watch
fires still curling among tho Eorse bushes.
Looking down into the valley at our
feet. at first I saw no sign OF our own
troops-only the roofs OF little town.
But here heard the church bells clash
ing and a drum beating. and presently
spied a gleam OF arms down among the
trees. and then a regiment OF foot moving
westward along the base OF the hill. IL
was evident the battle was az hand and
We quickencd our pace down into the
street.
IL lay on the slope. and midway down
We passed some watch fires burned out,
and then q soldier or two running and
fastening their straps: and last n little
child, who seemed wild with the JOY OF
living amid great events. but led us pref
~ straight TO the sign OF The Tree"
which indeed was the only tavern.
IL stood some way back from the
street, with great elm before the porch
where, by a stable. sat two men with n
small company OF grooms and soldiers
standing around. Both men were more
than ordinarily tall and soldier like. only
the bigger wore a scarlet cloak very rich
~ laced and was shouting orders 20 his
men. while the other dressed in plain buff
suit aud jack boots. had a map spread
before him, which he studied very attcn.
lively.
what a plague have we hereT' cries
the bic man as we drew up.
Recruits IL IL please you. sir" said I.
dismounting and pulling OF my hat.
though his insolent tone offended me.
slid! The boy speaks as IL he were
regiment: growis he half aloud.
"Can'st fghtg"
That, with your leave. cir. u what
j am come 10 Try.
He turned on Billy.
And this rascalr'
Billy heard not a word. OF course, yet
answered readily:
why. since your honor IL 80 pleas
antly minded, let IL be cider"
Now the first effect Of this. delivered
with all force OF lung. was TO make the
oig man sit bolt upright and staring. AL
this while the man in bun had scarce
lifted his eyes OF the map. But now he
looks up--and ! saw at the first glance
that the two men hated each other.
II think" said he quietly. my Lord
Mohun has forgot 20 ask the gentleman's
zane"
MY name Is Marvel. sir-John Mar
GEL" l answered him with n bow.
"Hey"-and he starts up and grasps
my hand. Then tbs you have never
thanked for His Gracious Majesty's lot
ter"
The General Hopton?" cried l.
Even so, sir. My lord" he went on.
still holding my hand and turning TO his
companion, "let me present TO you the
gentleman that in January sav'd your
house OF Bocconnoc from burning nc the
hands OF the rebels"
His lordship bowed, exceedingly sulk.
lily. But / did not value his rage. being
hot with Joy 10 be so bcprais'd by the
first captain on the royal side. Who now,
not without a sly triumph. folding up his
may. ADDRESSED me again:
Master Marvel. the fight to-day will
lie but little with the horSe--or so hope.
You will DO well. IL your wish be 10 serve
rs best. TO leave your mare behind. The
troop which my Lord Mohun and COM
mnnd together Is below. But Sir Beyill
Grcnville, who has seen and Is interested
in you. has the first claim; and l would
not deny you the delight 10 fight your
first battle under so good a master. His
men are. with Sir John Berkelcy's troop.
n little 10 the westward: and IL you are
ready / will 20 some distance with you,
and put you in the way TO find him. My
lord. may we look for you presently
The Lord Mohun nodded, surly enough:
10. Molly given over TO an ostler. we
set out down the hill together, Billy
shouldering a pike and walking after
with the groom that led Sir Rnlph's
horse. Be sure the Generals courtly
manner OF speech set my blood tingling.
I seem'd 10 grow a full two inches taller:
and when, In the vale, we parted, he d.
recting me TO the left. where through a
gap could see Sir Bcvill's troop form
ing at some five hundred PAGES distance,
I felt a very desperate warrior indeed:
and set of ut a run, with Billy behind
me.