The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1905-05-13

powerful supporters in his own coun-
try. He was stopped as soon as he
crossed the border yesterday and
brought here He pretends to be an in
nOcent trader in cattle and will likely
keep up that pretense. l have ap-
peared to believe all he says, and he
leaves this house tomorrow morning
with pass from my hand, giving him
permission to travel as far south as
Manchester, which was all he asked
l would willingly have given him safe
conduct to Oxford, but he was too
crafty to accept such thing. He
thinks he can make his way south from
Manchester. AS a matter Of fact, he
cannot, but I wish to make the way
easy for him.
"Of course could give general or
der that he was not to be molested, but
there are reasons against this, as we
have doubtless spies in our own ranks,
and general order would excite sus-
picion and would probably prove use
less because this man, eouth Of his per-
mit's territory, will endeavor to go sur
rephtiously to Oxford and by Hhfre-
Quented routes. It will be your duty
to become acquainted with Armstrong
and win his confidence. You will ac-
company him to Oxford and return
with him. You will be protected by a
pass so broad that it will cover any
disguise either Of you may care to as
rune. 1t is such pass as have new
er issued before and am not like to is
sue again. so 1 need not warn you to
guard it carefully and use it only when
necessary. 1t reads thus"
Here the speaker took up a sheet Of
paper on which he had been writing
and, holding it so that the light from
the candles fell upon it, read aloud:
pass the bearer and one other, without
question or interference from Carlisle to
Oxford and return.
'The journey south will give you the
opportunity to become acquainted with
your man. On the northward march
you must become possessed Of what he
carries, and when you bring it to me
you receive in it's stead pardon and
promotion. If you do not succeed be-
fore you reach Carlisle, then must
crush him, possibly kill him as spy.
VIII you undertake it?"
"'Tis an ungracious Office you would
bestow upon me, sir. l had rather
meet him in fair fight and slay him or
have him STAY me, as God willed."
There speaks YOUTH cried Crom
well impatiently. This man Is a
treacherous, lying spy, whose life by
all the rules Of war is already forfeit
/ propose to discomft him with his
own weapons. Nay, more, willingly
save him from the destruction he mer.
it's. You are set to do him the great
est service one man can offer another
II you fail, he dies; if you succeed, he
has probably long life before him"
"Sir, you are in the right, and your
argument is incontestable. I accept
your command willingly"
A CLEAN of pleasure lit the rugged
face Of the general, for he was fat
tered to believe his prowess in contro
versy was no less potent than his gen
ius in war. His voice softened percep-
tibly as he continued:
"You save your country and at the
same time save your country's enemy
What excuse will you give to Arm
strong for your desire to visit Ok
fordT
"My friend, the son Of Lord Rudby,
Is there. Although we are on opposite
sides, he has none Of the bitterness
against me shown by his father. 1 will
say wish to confer with him."
THAT will serve. Now this pass is
for two, and you can offer to Arm.
strong safe conduct under your guild
ance, giving what plea you choose Tor
the absence Of the man who was to
accompany you and who, it may be,
was supposed to have procured this
pass from me-"
Cromwell folded the pass and handed
it to young Wentworth. "Go. This
paper is your safeguard. I shall give
the order that you are to be well
mounted and provided with money.
Send Captain Bent to me as you pass
out"
Once more alone, Cromwell wrote
the pass for Armstrong, giving him
permission to travel between Carlisle
and Manchester. When he had finish
ed writing, Captain Bent was standing
beside the table, and to him he de-
hvered the paper.
"You will give that to your late
prisoner" he said. "He is to depart
tomorrow morning, not before 8
o'clock, and is to travel unmolested.
You have accomplished your duties
well, captain, and your services shall
not be forgotten"
The silent but grati6ed captain left
the room with straighter shoulders
than had marked his previous exit.
His chief looked up at the dark gallery
and called out, Come down and report
yourself to the officer of the night"
For nearly ten minutes Cromwell sat
at the table in silence, save for the
busy scratching of his pen. Then he
rose YEARLY, with a deep sigh, his
marked face seemingly years older
than when he had entered the room.
Once outside, he gave Colonel Porlock