Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-06-21

BOUT twelve miles or so down the
N rough and stony mountain
~ road below the village Of Crag-
enstone two men on horseback
were slowly ascending steep defile.
The former. having the face of an Eng
iishman, but dressed in the extruva-
CANT fashion of the French nobleman
Of that period, looked about him dis
rontentedly.
by st. Peter of the Fetters," he ex-
claimed impatiently, 50 more toilsome
Journey, worse roads or harder riding
1t hath never been my fate to expert
ence! CASTOR" turning to the man who
rode after him, "what said that sour
visaged Gallant we encountered just
below about the road to Cragenstone?"
Hang me for witch If could un-
derstand n word of his mumbling," the
man replied. "Such suspicious looks
he cast ut us, as though we were high
waymen who would take his purse or
run him through, reused my ire, Sir
Godfrey. Certes, but was tempted to
slap his sour facew
Peace, Gaston." Sir Godfrey La Ta-
bienne, who had been looking intcntly
ut something in the distance, threw up
his head with an air of pleasure. Sure
ly that rough structure of logs above
our heads on the rocks is dwelling
house. Methinks see signs of human
habitation."
Squirting his horse into gallop, he
rode rapidly up the steep incline, halt
ing abruptly when he reached the top
to gaze about him.
Quickly, CASTOR" he called cheer
fully to his servant, who was following
Mt slower rate of speed. "At last
we've reached n stretch Of open coun-
try; also the two roads"-pointing
ahead with his whip-"that yondcr
churlish fellow we encountered just be-
low did mention. AS we could not
get his meaning, CASTOR, perchancc
'twould be better to make inquiries be-
fore we venture further, for, by heav-
en-, can think of no worse calamity
than to go wrong on the rocky roads of
this mountain wilderness. Follow slow
ly, CASTOR, while l ride thither to ask
our way Of the people Mt the house."
The intense silence surrounding the
lonely, desolnte looking cabin was bro
ken by the noisy Gathering of horses
hoofs rs La Fabienne rode up to the
door and knocked upon it loudly with
the handle of his whip. For moment
there was no response; then light
football was heard, and voice asked
timidly, WHO knocks?"
"a traveller that would but ask his
way to the village Of Cragenstone,"
La Fabienne called in reply. "Open
without fear"
At his bidding the door was pushed
out m inch or two and girl not
more than ten years of age peered
through the opening. At the uneNpect-
ed sight of the nobleman in his rich
and handsome dress astride the gayly
caparisoned horse before her door the
mountain bred child was startled out
of all composure. Gasping for breath,
her mouth fell open and her eyes fair
ly protruded with awe and astonish-
ment
"a greeting, good maid," La Fabi-
enne said, lifting his plumed hat and
bowling. "Canst tell me on which Of
these two roads the village Of Cragen-
stone doth lay?"
'Thou-thou canst go right on" the
girl stammered in great confusion.
"The-the other road leads to Stern
dorf."
He thanked her with great civility
and, reckoning to his attendant to fol-
low, La Fabienne rode on rapidly.
"'Tis passing strange" he reflected
'how the impression was fixed in my
mind that Cragenstone lay on the other
road. Damme, 'twere well asked the
maid or 'twould have been tomorrow
ere l would see Margaret. AS tits, ]
shall see her soon, mayhap before dark
ness falls, and, by my troth one glance
from her bright eyes will cause me t.
forget the perlls and fatigues Of this
Journey"
With sudden bright smile of hap
piness Illuminating his countenance he
looked over his shoulder to see his fol