Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-01-25
vate conference with him"


The chief officer hesitated for a mo-
ment, then turned and disappeared
within the mansion, while Armstrong
dismounted and gave to the soldier who
took his horse minute instructions
touching the treatment Of the animal.
"You are I'LL good horsemen," said
the visitor in his most genial accents,
"and will doubtless respect Bruce here,
whatever you think of his master, for
this is the charger that louped over the
parapet Of Carlisle bridge, and, after
that, beat the best you had In your
cavalry in race for the border. If
your chief should come to q disagree
ment with me. take care Of the horse
at least, for you haven't another like
him"
The horse was led away, palpably
admired by all the men. for some Of
them stroked and patted his flank,
speaking soothingly to him. William
stood with his hands in his pockets,
the center of ring of armed men, his
gay dress in striking contrast to the
more sober uniform of his guards.
Cromwell was taking his time making
up his mind. and the young man
thought this delay was not IN encour-
aging sign. He had thrust his. head
between the lions jaws, and the min
utes that passed before he could know
whether the brute was going to bite or
not We're irksome to him, especially as
there was now nothing to do but await
the issue. At last the officer reap
peored, dismissed the guard and said
CURLY to the prisoner:
"Follow me-"
Armstrong was ushered into the huge
room which he remembered so WE'LL
and found Cromwell sitting alone at
the table, as If lie had never left it.
Even the two candles stood where they
had been placed before, but the face
of the seated man seemed more inscru-
table, more stern than he recollected it.
Armstrong swept of his fenthered
hat most courteously us he approached
the table, bowed and, standing at ease
on the spot he had formerly occupied,
said:
"Good evening, general" The gen.
eral lifted his heavy eyes and, al
though his firm mouth remained inn
mobile, the slightest suspicion Of n
twinkle scintillated for one brief mo-
ment in his searching glance.
Good evening. You wished to see
me?"
Eyes. general, and have come from
Scotland this very day for no other
purpose"
you are out of employment per-
haps, and are looking for re-engage-
ment?"
"Well. general, il l was, you IRE the
man should come to for recommen-
dalton. In manner Of speaking, you
are in the right. have been riding hard
this while back for other folk, and
now have taken bit of journey on
my own account. You see my case is
II will state the case" interrupted
Cromwell menacingly. you stood
here and lied to me-"
you sat there and did the same by
me-"
"You stood here and lied to me.
You came as spy, mixing with affairs
that did not concern you"
pardon me, general. took service
for my king, and you will be good
enough to remember that Charles 10
king of Scotland. even il 1t pleases you
to forget that he Is king of England,
and that lie will be. until he dies, your
king MS well MS mine"
You delivered the kings message to
Traquair"
Yes. That's what went for"
And you have the impudence to
come to me, thinking will allow you
to return?" e
"Sny confidence. rather. am very
sure you will allow me to return"
Eyes, confidence is the word, but with
mixture Of impudence as well-the
malt and the hops. 1t never crossed
your mind that 1t was dungeon you
were approaching"
81 thought If you did anything It
would be hanging"
"And why not?"
Because my death by rope would be
just the little FLIP that Scotland needs
at the present moment. I'd like to see
ye hang me! There's poor Traquair
at his wits end for encouragement
through dissension among the people
and their leaders. You hang me and
you've done the trick for him."
For some moments the general kept
silence, then he said abruptly:
UyVi11 vOy, 70 communications To- NV
army?"
II will not"
81 thought you were fighter"
~ am. but prefer to engage under
Traqunir's banner If he raises It."
Against met"
Gust that"
"And you think will let you go?"
"I'll take my oath ON It."
"You are right. The way is clear to
Scotland, to Oxford, or where you
please. What have you come to me
for?"
"For Frances Wentworth"
Il thought as much. In this cannot
oblige you. With you have nothing
to do, and you are at liberty. That
wench Of Wentworth's stands on diff
ferent footing, inasmuch as she has
proved traitor to her own. l shall do
nothing to injure her, but she shall
taste captivity until she confesses her
error"
.She is no traitor, but did well the
work you set for her."
II set no work for her. Twas given
to her brother, and his folly brought
her into the business"
ITO BE coNr1rurp1