The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1905-05-20
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"A ssfhor 81 "Jenn5s 3ox7er.
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Yes. There was no other.
Then you are perhaps about to visit
Charles at Oxford?
"Ah, l have already told you more
than was wise on 50 short an acQuaint-
ance," said Wentworth, trying another
tack. you yourself gave me lesson
in reticence moment since, and you
have not been SO garrulous concerning
yourself as l. I do not even know
your name"
"Sir, l am William Armstrong, and
Scotland is my country. AS two
swords are better than one, l shall be
most glad to travel in your company.
l may say, however, that hold pass
from Cromwell himself, so if you are a
kings man you may not wish to be my
companion"
Il am myself abroad through Crom-
wells permission" answered Went
worth jauntily. land I'll venture my
pass is broader as we'll as longer than
yours. IT'S sometimes we'll to have a
friend in the enemy's camp, and my
friend pretends he can get anything
from Old Noll. Read it. if you think
I'm boasting.'
Wentworth handed the document to
the Scot, who read and returned it.
Mine is but limited permit com
pared with this. Where do you expect
to encounter your comrade?'
II fear there is little chance Of see
ing him until l reach Oxford. if indeed
l find him there. l suspect he is de-
tanned at Carlisle. However, l travel
on my own business and he on his. SO
it makes little difference to me save
the lack Of companionship."
You 60 to Oxford alone then?"
part of the way with you, l hope.
Yes; I'm tired of waiting and SO set out
alone this morning, deviating from the
main road and taking these lanes. the
better to approach Rudby Hall without
undue publicity"
Il see," said Armstrong thoughtful
ly. Then, as he fell into meditation,
there was silence between them for
some time. The theme of his reflection
was the accomplishment Of the task
which lay before him. Here seemed
heaven sent opportunity to win peace
fully to Oxford and perhaps to return
as far north as Carlisle.
Armstrong remembered that luck
had often stood his friend, and the
present encounter looked like another
instance Of it, so he resolved to jour-
ney with Wentworth as far south as
Manchester, there to be guided by cir
cumstances. Up to that point he need
ask for no favor. for he had his own
permit to lean upon. If the lad proved
true companion he might then ven
ture to propose that they should keep
together under protection of the pass
for two.
do you move on to Oxford at once
when you have seen this young lady?'
asked Armstrong, breaking silence at
last.
Eyes, and am willing to ride as hard
as you like If you are pressed for
time"
"Oh, I'm in no hurry. He's a churl
who would not wait while lover and
his lass whispered. and shall dc
aught that 1 can to forward your adj
venture if there is any obstacle"
Il thank you, but there is like tC
be no obstacle at this time Of the day.
hope to have the good fortune to find
her walking in the garden. This would
simplify my quest"
Are you forbidden the house, them"
I'm a measure l am. l have my enc
mics within the walls, but my good
friends also. If l get a word with
one Of the latter, difficulties will dis
solve"
Here the youth reired in his horse
and sat for a moment anxiously scan
ming the landscape. A belt Of tall trees
bordered the lane, with thick under
growth that seemed impenetrable to
sight or movement. Over the tops of
the bushes and between the trunks of
the trees Armstrong gathered glimpses
of large mansion in the distance, ex-
tensive groups of chimneys being the
most nOticea BILE feature. Nearer was
seen a carpet of green lawn, and be-
yond, the dappled glitter of the sun
light on a lake.
will you hold my horse?" asked
the youth, almost in a whisper. 81
must reconnoiter"
Armstrong sat silent, occasionally
leaning over to stroke the neck of the
steed he held in tether. He loved all
animals, especially horses, and they
reciprocated his affection. Suddenly
the silence was shattered by a cry
hOarse with rage
Il have been watching your ap-
proach, perjured scoundrel! You shall
not escape me this time"
''Sir, sir, l beseech you," came the
entreating tones of Wentworth; Il can.
not bear arms against you. Listen but
a moment, sir"
Draw, you dog. or die the death of
one"
''Sir. i implore you; I cannot draw
with you opposed. Sir, let me say a
word OH
There was one clash Of steel, then q
brief cry OF pain. and now silence