The Bon Homme County independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1904-1913, 1905-04-27

better. and here dark figure rushed
on me fercely. I spitted him like
a lark. and he went down In o heap.
In the street | though TO have n
clear way. but the whistle brought
three or four men. who set upon me
with swords. Calling to the girl to
run for life. faced about briskly
10 meet their attack. But she would
/, Z, and went hack with me against
vail. where they pressed me hard.
Two I pinked 30 that they drew out
with groans and curses, but one OF
me others got In shrewdly on my
left shoulder. was In evil case when
the girl cried In my ear that there
was door at our back. With q shout
] sprang out and drove them back q
step. then turning ran after her with.
In the door. and bolted and barred Il
In rfeir faces.
Within was utter darkness. and We
felt our way along through q narrow
passage till we reached q room with
q window that gave rs n bit OF the
moon. There was q door. but II was
heavily barred. Plainly We could 20
no farther. unless we could raise
the house I raped with my dagger.
hiit. but there was no answer. kcer
many trials I gave over. not thinking
e. wise 20 betray our plight to those
In the street.
How fares Il with you. girl?" ]
said. drawing my companion TO where
the moonlight fell.
had expected TO End some simple
bourgeois maid. and 10! my gaze fell
upon one richly dressed. with the air
and carriage OF q gentlewoman. Half
girl and half grand dame she was.
and the fairest thing mine eyes had
ever liz upon. And with II all some
trick OF the memory made me know
had seen her face before.
by Our LADY," ! cried. In sheer
surprise. who are you and how came
you here?"
With that I took on my cap and
bowed with all respect.
Why" she answered, with n smile
10 see me so lost In wonderment. my
carriage was stopped and was tn
ken"
Hal" I cried. "this Is the doing Of
Sir Charles Anthony"
Truly think So" she said. "and ]
think also that shall have no peace
from him till some brave man re-
moves him from this world" And with
tails she looked at me with broad sig
nificance In her gaxe.
"As for the rest she went on. Il
am Eleanor Fairfax. now grown TO
woman's full estate. N you may see.
That I am here have TO thank Sir
Francis Beaucierc."
stood In surprise. hardly able to
trust my ears and eyes. and yet u
was the girl with whom ] had been
brought up In Devonshire.
Not Sir but plain Francis Beau
clerc." ! said nj length.
"Tut!" she answered. 'as one who
brings good news. you are behind
the times. Your worthy and loving
brother is dead vhese seven days,
and even now a messenger searches
for you 70 wish you Joy"
would have poured upon her
food OF questions, but here her ey,
fell upon oroad red smudge on my
coat. In vain did ] make light OF the
cut upon my shoulder, though In faith
twas a shrewd wound and letting out
more blood than I liked; she would
have my coat OF instanter, and then
with my dagger she cut open my
shirt and very delicately bound up
the wound with kerchief and scarf.
bemoaning herself the while that she
was the cause OF IL and pouring out
thanks for her rescue and praise OF
my sword play till felt myself flush
ing like a schoolboy.
Indeed, SO tender was the touch OF
her slim, soft fingers, so sweet the
perfume OF her. and so enhancing the
sound Of her slow, clear voice. that !
would willing have had n dozen
wounds for her to dress.
And then was enacted anew the
story which no mans lips are weary
uttering, and OF which no woman's
ear will tire. We sat down upon the
steps that led TO the door 10 walt for
the morning light, and. sooth 70 tell,
I made not love. and she at first pro-
testing. and shy OF listening. came by
degrees to nearken, and presently
as it grew chill. I put my coat upon
her shoulders, and with my arm about
her, drew her close the while ] wills.
pered In her ear.
And then, all OF a sudden. our love
dreams were shattered In an instant.
For there was n crash rs the street
door was battered down. and In pour
err a press OF men with torches. Sir
Charles Anthony ut their head, cry.
ing:
Rescue for Mistress Eleanor Fair.
fax! Death to her abductor!"
And even as they came on the door
above us opened, and down the steps
came armed house servants also. with
torches and lanterns And then when
all paused and instant TO see what
was coming next. the girl nj my side
broke out into hysterical laughter.