The Bon Homme County independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1904-1913, 1905-03-09

that ] had sp,ed the prison keys hang
ing near the fireplace. nor that behind
the screen lay a heap OF the colonies
riding boots, whereof pair, ready
spurr'd. fitted me cholcely well: but that
my ears tingled with news that turn'd
my escape 20 matter Of public welfare.
Shod In the coloners boots, I advanced
again 10 the table. With sealing wax
aud the governors seal. that lay handy.
! cios'd up the kings letter. and sticking
u IN my breast, caught down the bunch
OF Keys aud made for the door
The hall was void. I snatch'd down a
cloak and heavy broad-brimmd hat from
one of tie pegs. and DOMINIC them,
slipp'd back the bolts OF the heavy door.
Then ] stcpp'd forth into the night, shut
ting the door quietly on my heels.
My feet were on the pavement Of the
inner ward. Above. one star only broke
the blackncss uf the night. Across the
court was sentry tramping. As I
walk'd boldly M. he stopp'd short by tho
gate between the wards and regarded
me.
Now was my danger. knew not the
right key for the wicket: and IL I FUN
bled. the fellow would detect me for GER
tain. i chose one aud drew nearer; the
fellow look'd. saluted. stepp'd to the
wicket. and open'd Il himself.
Goodnight. Colonel"
did not trust myself to answer; but
passed rapidly through TO the outer ward.
Here, to my JOY. in the arch'd passage
OF the barbican gate. was the carriage
waiting. the porter standing beside the
door: and here also. 20 my dismay. was a
torch light. and under Il half n dozen
soldiers chatting. A whisper pass'd on
my approach-"The colonel.' aud they
hurried into the guard room.
Good evening. Colonel" The porter
how'd low. holding the door wide.
1 passd him rapidly. climb'd into the
shadow OF the coach and drew a long
breath. Then cnsucd hateful pause. ms
the great gates were unbarr'd. I gripp'd
my knees for impatiencc. The driver
spoke n word TO the porter. who came
round TO the coach door again.
To Mistress Finch's, Ii IL notf"
"Ay." i mnttened: "and quickly"
The coachman touched up his pair.
The wheels mov'd: went quicker. We
were outside the castle. After a short
drive the coach came TO hat. looked
out.
Facing me was narrow gateway
leading 20 a house that stood somewhat
back from the street. Over the grill n
link was burning. stepp'd from he
coach, open'd the gate. and crossing the
small court, rang at the house bell.
At first there was no answer. I rang
again: aud now had the satisfaction 20
hear light football coming. A bolt was
pulfd and a girl appcar'd holding n can
die high In her hand. Quick Ms thought
| stepp'd past her into the passage.
"Dclin"
jack
Hist! Close the door. Where is Mis-
trcss Finchs"
Upstairs, expecting Colonel Essex.
oh. the happy day! Come" She
led me into a narrow back room and set
ting down the light regarded me- Jack.
my eyes are red for thee
II see they are. Tomorrow I was 20
be hang'd."
She put her hands together. catching
her breath: and very lovely thought
her. In her straight gray gown and Puri-
tan cap.
They have been questioning me- Dldst
Sfl iug fAttEg
The answer was on my lin when there
came n sound that made us both start.
Twas the dull echo OF gun firing. up
NJ the Castle.
Della. what lies Mt the back hercf"
~ garden and a garden door: after
these u lane leading to Redcliff street"
Il must 20. this moment"
And IT.
She did not wait my answer. but, run
ming out into the passage. she came
swiftly back with heavy key. opcn'd
the window.
Della! De.lla.' Twas woman's
voice calling her. ut the head OF tn,
stairs.
AYE. Mistress Finch"
"Who was that nc the door,
] spranE into the garden aud held forth
a hand Co Della. I'm one moment. mis-
trcss"' calrd she. and In ono moment was
hurrying with me across the dark garden
beds. As she fitted the key 10 the gar
den gate heard the voice again.
Della"
Twas drownd In n wild rat-n-tat on
the street door and the shouts OF many
voices. We were close prcss'd.
Now. Jack---to tho right for our
lives. All. these clumsy skirts
TO be continued