Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1905-05-03
WON BY THE SWORD.
Observation-Disclosures

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Hark you, Francis Beauclerc!"
said Sir Charles Anthony, joining me
as l sat moody alone in the White
Horse Inn, and thrusting at me his
wicked, handsome face, you are an
evil Casa younger son crowded out
Of your brothers house, no chance
for prefermenU at court, no means
of livelihood at the end of your re-
sources"
Here he drew out a score of gold
pieces and jingled them right must
cally. | eyed him askance, for l hated
lie man.. And presently he went on:
"Bethink you how many bottles of
wine, how many nights Of gaming
VIII the dice and cards, what gen.
erous meals and goodly raiment lie
in these golden coins. And, therefore,
think you are the man for my work."
What is your work." asked,
keeping my temper in check.
"Zounds!" he cried, with an evil
laugh, TITS like play. With half
a dozen of my DULLES you stop a car
riage in which rides a pretty maid
hold most dear. You make a play at
abduction, with much noise and clash
ing of steel and stage business Then
come to the rescue. We cross swords,
you fall, and l carry Oft the maid in
triumph and rescuer and protector"
You have forgotten my temper in
your catalogue of my failings, Sir
Charles Anthony" l said, rising. Il
will play no villain in any plot of
yours. But as to crossing swords"
Here laid my hand on my hilt and
bowed to him.
With that Sir Charles sprang up
also, with fury in his face and while
one might count twoscore we stared
in each others eyes. Twice ais hand
stole to his belt as if he would draw
steel, but in the end my gaze mastered
his, and scowling evilly he turned his
back and strobe from the house..
A Woman's scream reused me from
my thoughts as l strobe up the mar
row side street that led to my humble
lodgings. 1t seemed to come from an
alley close at hand, yet when search
ed it's depths with eyes and ears it
was as silent as the grave.
1t was a dark hole and prudence
whispered to let the adventure pass.
Yet | knew, though knew not how
knew, that it was a good woman who
had screamed and no creature of the
streets. So, with drawn sword, tip
toed into the darkness till saw a
flutter of white against the wall.
WHO cries for help?" I said,
loudly, stepping forward.
1T concerns you not" answered a
surly voice, and dark figure came
boldly out "Begone and mind your
own affairs"
What have you here?" I asked,
pressing forward.
But the man barred my way, threat
ening to spit me on his blade. LUath
to use the steel till l saw further
into the matter, caught him by the
wrist as he raised his arm, aud witt
a twist and a trip sent him sprawling,
and slipped past him into the turn Of
the alley.
Here twas dark as a pocket and
could see nothing. But as felt about
my hand closed on the soft, flimsy
stuff Of woman's gown, and under
1t was woman's form-a girls.
"Ha!" l cried, " tbs some wench
you are misusing"
"You mistake" said a civil voice
from behind the girl. IT'S my young
sister, who will out o'nights, and we
but take her home"
Il tell you again you are meddling
in a private matter" broke in the first
mans voice. 'Tis for the girls good
and we have authority. Stay longer
at your peril"
was half convinced, and was on
the point of withdrawing with an easy
conscience when the girl caught my
hand and carried it to her face. She
was gagged.
"You knaves!" l cried, tearing loose
the scarf from her mouth. who is
this you have gagged?"
With an oath the man behind tho
girl stepped out and ran toward the
ttfeet crying for lantern and blow
Ing whistle shrilly. Grasping the
airl by the arm | dashed forward,
NTllsting ahead of me as went. Halt