The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1905-03-31

JHf5HWN ry Y1cISSitudeS of travelling
S42Y without litter or cavalcade.
several days of wandering slowly pass
cd. Few people they met, and those
for the most part various types of vag-
abonds and nomads. AS it minimiZed
their risk the young girl was content
to wear the cap of the jestress piquant-
ly perched upon her dark curls, there
by suggesting an indefinable affinity
with vagrancy and the itinerant fra
ternity.
Not only had she donned the symbol
Of her office, but she endeavored to act
up to 1t, accepting the sweet with the
sour, with ever a jest at discomfort
and concealing weariness with smile.
Often the fool wondered at her endur-
ance and her calm courage in the face
of peril, for, although they met with
no misadventures, each day seemed
fraught with jeopardy. 1t appeared a
brave effort to bear up under contin-
ued hardship-insufficie rest and
sharp -riding-and the jester reproached
himself for thus taxing her strength.
But often when he suggested pause
she would shake her head willfully, as
sert she was not tired and ride but the
faster
No, no" she would say. eff we
would escape we must keep ON. We
can rest afterward."
"Where do you wish to go?" he asked
her once.
There is time enough yet to speak
of that" she returned evasively.
"You have some plan, mistressP
Perhaps"
her dark lashes as If to read how deep
ly he was annoyed and. seeing his face
clear, laughed lightly.
What are you laughing at, mis-
tress?" he said
IF l knew 1 could tell" she replied.
Toward sundown on the fourth day
they came to n lonely inn set in
clearing on the verge of forest. They
had ridden late in the moonlight the
night before and all that morning and
afternoon almost without resting, and
the first sight of the solitary hostelry
was not unwelcome to the weary fugi-
tives. A second inspection OF the
place, however, awakened misgivings.
The building seemed the better adapt
ed for fortress than q tavern, being
heavily constructed, with massive
doors and blinds and loopholes above.
A brightly painted sign, the Rocks
Haunt, waved cheerily, 1t is true, above
the door, as though to disarm sus-
picion, but the isolated situation OF
the inn and the depressing sense of
the surrounding wilderness might well
cause the wayfarer to hesitate wheth-
er to tarry there or continue his jour-
ney.
A glance at the pale face and unnat-
urally bright eyes of the girl brought
the Jester, however, to q quick deci-
sion. Springing from his horse he held
out his hand to assist her; but, over
come by weakness or fatigue, she
would have fallen had he not sustain
ed her. Quickly she recovered and,
with faint flush mantling her white
cheek, withdrew from his grasp, while
at the same time the landlord of the
tavern came forward to welcome his
guests.
In appearance mine host was round
and jovial. His bulk bespoke hearty
living, his rosy face reflected good
cheer, his stentorian voice free and
easy hospitality. His eyes constituted
the only setback to this general i'm
preston of friendliness and fellow
feeling. They were small, twinkling,
CLASSY.
Good even to you, gentle folk" he
said. "You tarry for the night, I take
It."
IF you have suitable accommoda-
tions," answered the jester, reassured
by the mans aspect and manner.
''The Rocks Haunt never yet turned
away weary traveller" answered the
landlord. "You come from the pal
ace2"
"Yes," briefly, as lad led away their
horses.
"And have done well? Reaped har-
vest from the merry lords and ladies 2"
There were many others there for
that purpose" returned the jester, fol-
lowing the proprietor to the door Of
the hostelry.
''True. Still I'll warrant your fair
companion cozened the silver pieces
from the pockets Of the gentry" And,
smiling knowingly, he ushered them
into the principal living room Of the
tavern.
1t was smoke begrimed apartment,
with tables next to the wall and rough
chairs and benches for the guests.
Heavy pine rafters spanned the cell
ing. The aoor. was -sprinkled with