Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-05-03
! WON BY THE SWORD.
Observation-Disclosures

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''Hark you, Francis Beauclerc!"
said Sir Charles Anthony, joining me
as 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 end jingled them right must
cally. eyed him askance. for hated
Lac man. And presently he went on:
"Bethink you how many bottles Of
wine, how many nights of gaming
Wal 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. "'Tis like play. With half
dozen of my bullies you stop 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 | carry off the maid in
triumph and rescuer and protector"
You have forgotten my temper in
your catalogue of my failings, Sir
Charles Anthony ] said, rising. II
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 mis- 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 l search
ed it's depths with eyes and ears it
was as silent as the grave.
1t was dark hole and prudence
whispered to let tine 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 l saw d
flutter of white against the wall.
Who cries for help?" said
loudly, stepping forward.
1t concerns you not" answered q
surly voice, and dark figure came
boldly out. "Begone and mind your
own affairs"
What have you here?" | asked
pressing forward.
But the man barred my way, threat
ening to spit me on his blade. LoatI
to use the steel till saw furthe
into the matter, l caught him by tn,
wrist as he raised his arm, and wit
twist and a trip sent him sprawling
and slipped past him into the turn O
the alley.
Here twas dark as pocket and
could see nothing. But as felt abou
my hand closed on the soft, flimsy
stuff of woman's gown, and unde
1t was woman's form-a girls
Hal" l cried. It's some wencl
you are misusing."
you mistake" said civil voic,
from behind the girl. Ills my youn,
sister, who will out o'nights, and W,
but take her home"
Il tell you again you are meddlin,
in private matter" broke in the frs
mans voice. tbs for the girls good
and we have authority. Stay longe
at your peril
l was half convinced, and was oil
the point of withdrawing with an cas-,
conscience wnen the girl caught m,
hand and carried it to her face. Sh
was gagged.
"You knaves!" l cried, tearing loos
the scarf from iner mouth. WHO i
this you have gagged?"
With an oath the man behind tn
girl stepped out and ran toward tn
street crying for lantern and blow
ing whistle snrilly. Grasping tn
girl by the arm | dashed forward
thrusting ahead of me as | went. Hal
way out the point of my sword too
something soft that cried out an
fell. AT the alleys mouth could Sc
better, and here dark figure rushe
on me fiercely. spitted him Xix
a lark, and he went down in heap.
In the street though to have
clear way, but the whistle brough
three or four men, who set upon m
with swords. Calling to the girl t
run for life. faced about brisk
to meet their attack. But she woul
not, and went back with me agains
wall, where they pressed me har,
Two pinked so that they drew OF
with groans and curses, but one {
the others got in shrewdly on m
left shoulder. was in evil case whe
the girl cried in my ear that ther
was door at our back. With a Shot
l sprang out and drove them back
step, then turning ran after her will
In the door, and bolted and barred
in their faces.
Within was utter darkness, and W
felt our way along through a mario
passage till we reached a room wit
window that gave us bit Of tn
moon. There was a door, but it wa
heavily barred. Plainly we could G