Gilpin observer., 1905-05-25

Truly he was a man Of iron. 1t had
told upon him, he was many pounds
lighter and his moon-like face was
haggard.
While away he had left Pat to keep
guard at the prison and ind out which
cell I occupied. This the man was
able to do with little judicious ques-
tioning. He was also to watch the
movements Of the arch fend, Chief
Justice Lord Jeffreys; not an arduous
task, for that lord delighted in hay
ing his movements chronicled. Every
thing favored him. When the link
man met the party coming from Long
Haut at the edge of Drury Lane-a
meeting place previously decided up
on-he told them that Lord Jeffreys
was to pass through Epping Forest in
few hours. They posted there in
hot haste to await him, while Pat was
left to try and acquaint me with the
fact that they hoped to effect my re-
lease. How successful he was in this
you know. My lord came all un-
conscious Of the plot on foot. His at
tendants we're with little effort over
powered. Then my lord, who deemed
the men Of Long Haut highwaymen
(and surely fiercer looking lot one
would travel far to find), was soon
compelled to sign the paper for my
release. IF he felt any of that terror
with which he was wont to inspire
poor creatures hauled before him, II
wiped out some ones debt.
They carried him some distance
away from his men, and left him
bound and tied in lodge, knowing
it would be hours before he would be
discovered. 1t seems in that par
ticular their plans had miscarried,
else the constable had not appeared
upon the scene.
l laughed heartily, but I noticed
that Gil did not echo it. Moreover
all through our talk he seemed pre-
occupied-something was wrong-for
Gil loved to be pitted against OBJ
stacles-it was as the very breath Of
his nostrils-and this little episode
had been too satisfactory for him not
to feel elated at it's outcome. Had
he not met his old friend the petit
constable and had he not gone down
before him?
what is it, Gill;" said I.
bad news, my lord" he replied.
''What?" I cried.
"Yes, your father is dead" he soft
ly answered. Ere 1 had hardly be.
gun my journey I met a man coming
from Long Haut with the sad news
when did he die?" 1 asked.
"The night you were arrested" he
replied.
''Did you see him?" I questioned.
~Yes," he said. God rest his soul.
I stopped long enough for that and
only that He lies in state in the
day and night. Your father left with
him his last messages for you"
I'VE will go on tonight" I said.
But you are tired-will you not drop
back and rest"
mot l." he replied.
l saw as he stretched out his legs
and could scarce forbear a groan at
the pain, how sore and weary he was.
| but l knew better than to insist.
I sat with my back to the door.
had been intent upon my supper and
the tale of my release, in both OF
which l had taken an equal relish
until hearing of my fathers death
had lost both. I pushed back my
chair from the table and leaning back
sat thinking sadly. The men had
stopped their chaffering, knowing the
| cause of my depression. Too late, he
had died unknowing! In the land
where he had gone, l wondered, if all
things were made clear to him.
was aroused from my reverie by
an exclamation from Gil. I turned
toward the door at which he was star.
ing. In it's entrance stood Rosemary
ALVIN, Lady OF FELTON,.
Her eyes were wide and dark with
excitement. Her hair was blown into
wet tendrils about her face. She was
| flushed from exertion.
Il am come to tell you, SIR" she
| said. that before twenty minutes
shall have passed the Kings Blues
will be here"
ITO be continued.)