The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1905-06-10

NJ EXT day the three were not as
~ early beginning their march,
lN because Northampton was
barely fifty miles distant and
the day was longer than the way. The
good landlady OF The Angel, 6ustling
and voluble, saw them off with many
blessings and wishings that God would
for their horses and short rest for
themselves. Then they took the de-
flecting road for Northampton, but
their pack horse limped and their prog
ress was slow. Frances was in better
spirits than was the case since the pill
grimage began, for she had now per-
suaded her mind, which eagerly wished
to be convinced, that her future action
would save the lives of two men-Arm-
strong's not less than her brothers.
and so she had come to look upon her
unsuspecting companion as her benef1-
ciary rather than her victim.
The day passed pleasantly enough,
even If progress was slow. Armstrong
related many interesting or amusing
anecdotes of the border, and the girl
came to the conclusion that life must
be anything but dull in that billy dis
trict. They partook of their noontide
meal at hospitable farmhouse, for
inns were few and mostly untenanted.
They learned that it would probably be
dark by the time they reached North
ampton, but there was a new moon to
light their way. They were off the
main line Of travel and had the road
practically to themselves. At about
in the afternoon they heard the
tramping Of squadron behind them,
coming on at rapid walk. Armstrong
suggested that it would be we'll to draw
Into the hedge while the troopers pass
ed, and this they did. The Scot sat
easily on his horse, watching the some
what imposing oncoming, the breast
plates of the men scintillating in the
declining sun, which shone full upon
them Suddenly Armstrong straight
ened and, unconsciously perhaps, his
hand grasped that of the girl beside
him.
asked
mo"
THAT is he at the head of the cav.
airy"
She drew away her hand and sat
there, scarcely breathing, fearful Of the
could not be avoided. If Armstrong
were equally perturbed he showed no
sign of it, and she admired his non
chalance as she glanced momentarily at
him. But her eyes turned instructive
ly again to the leader of the troops.
There was something masterful in his
very bulk; he seemed massive man
on his huge horse; power personifed
were horse and man. His unblinking
eye faced the sun like an eagles, and
he came stolidly past them, looking
neither to the right nor the left. The
firm face was as inscrutable and as
ruthless as that Of the sphinx.
do you think he saw usY' she said
after the soldiers had passed.
saw usv' echoed Armstrong. Eyes,
every thread of our garments. What
a man! God Of war, how should like
to fight him.
II thought you admired him."
$50 l do, more than any other on
earth. If 1 had seen him before l
doubt if l had been here"
II understood you to say you met him
at Corbiton."
MET him, yes, by dim candlelight,
smooth and courteous. But l never
really saw him until now. You cannot
rightly judge mana fighter, that is
until you have looked at him on
horseback. That man knows my bust
ness. For the first time since l set
out doubt my success"
"Will you turn back? she asked, her
voice quavering.
"Oh, no! I'm his Roland. If we do
not cross swords, We'll run race, and
may the best man win. But l feel
strangely uncomfortable about the
neck"
He raised his chin and moved his
head from side to side, as if the
rope already throttled him. Then he
laughed, and she gazed at him in fas-
cinated terror.
'That man is likely to defeat me-" he
continued. His plans are all laid, and |
already l feel the tolls tightening |
around me- l am satisfied he knows |
every move l have made since l left |
him. The unseen spy is on my track,
and, by my sword, I'd rather circum-
vent him than rule the kingdom. Wull,
whaur's yer wits? Now's the time We |
need them, my lad. In the first place,
l dare not go through Northampton.
That's clear"
"Why?'
I'm my soul I'm certain crisis
awaits me there I'll be nabbed in
Northampton. Then the question, Why
did you refuse a pass to OxfordY"
did he offer you oneY
eyes. The next question will be,
why are you south of the limit set by