The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1906-11-21

the place of wine and coffee and cor
dial. 1t was a strange supper amid
STRANGE environments, but she enjoyed
it as she had never before enjoyed
meal. The air was full Of romance
and danger, and her Imagination was
enthralled. Everything was SO new
and unreal that she scarcely could oe-
Iieve herself awake. The world seem
ed to have gone back to the days OF
Robin Hood and his merry men.
"You fare well at the Inn OF the
Hawk and Raven" she said to him,
her voice tremulous with excitement.
He looked nlournfully at her for
moment and then smiled naively.
'.It is the first wholesome meal we
have had in two days." he replied.
"You don't mean itr'
Eyes. We were lucky with the guns
today. Fate was kind to us-and to
you, for we ere better prepared to en-
tertain royalty today than at any time
since have been in the hills Of Graz
stark"
'Then you have not always lived in
Graustark?"
"Alas, no, your highness. I have
lived elsewhere"
"But you were born in the princi-
pality?"
tI am subject Of its princess in
heart from this day forth, but not by
birth or condition. am a native OF
the vast domain known to- a few OF
as as Circumstance" and he smiled
rather recklessly.
.You are poet, a delicious poet"
cried Beverly, forgetting herself in her
enthusiasm.
perhaps that is why I am hungry
and unshorn. It had not occurred to
me in that light When you are ready
to retire, your highness," he said,
abruptly rising, I'VE shall be pleased
to consider the Inn of the Hawk and
Raven closed for the night. Having
feasted we'll, we should sleep we'll.
We have a hard day before US. With
YOUR consent, I shall place my couch
Of grass near your door. 1 am the
porter. You have but to call If any
thing is desired
She was tired, but she would have
sat up all night rather than miss any
of the strange romance that had been
thrust upon her. But Sir Redfeather's
suggestion savored Of command, and
she reluctantly made her way to the
Tapping blanket that marked the en-
trance to the bedchamber. he drew
the curtain aside, swung his hat low
and muttered a soft good night.
"May your highness' dreams be pleas
ant onesw he said.
.aThank you," said she, and the cur
tain dropped impertinently. 'That was
very cool of him, I must say" she add
ed as she looked at the wavering door.
When she went to sleep she never
knew. She was certain t!iat her ewes
were re@elliolis for long time and that
she wondered now her gray dress
would look sitter she had slept IN ii
! al night She heard lew singing as II
IL Tie distance but after awhile the
stiffness became so intense that its
pressure almost suffocated her. The
rush Of the river grew louder and load
er, and there was swishing sound
that died in her ears almost as she won
dered what it meant. Her last wax
ing thoughts were Of the sblack patch"
poet. Was he lying near the door?
She was awakened in the middle Of
the night by the violent tapping Of her
chamber window Startled, she sat
bolt upright and strained her eyes to
pierce the mysterious darkness. Aunt
Fanny, on her bed Of grass, stirred
convulsively. but did not awake. The
blackness Of the strange chamber was
broken ever and anon by faint flashes
of light from without, and she lived
through long minutes of terror before
it dawned upon her that a thunder
storm was brewing. The wind was
rising, and the night seemed agog with
excitement Beverly crept from her
couch and felt her way to the futtering
doorway. Drawing aside the blanket,
she peered forth into the night, her
heart jumping with terror. Her high
ness was very much afraid Of thunder
Gnd lightning.
The fire in the open had died down
until naught remained but few glow
ing em5ers. These were blown into
brilliancy by the wind, casting steady
red light over the scene. There was
but one human figure in sight. Beside
the fire stood the tall wandefer. He
was hatless end coatless, and his arms
were folded across his chest. Seeming
" oblvious to the approach Of the
storm he stood staring into the heap OF
ashes at his feet His face was toward
her, every feature plainly distinguish
able in the faint glow from the fire. To
her amazement the black patch vas
missing from his eye, and, what sur
prised her almost to the point Of ex-
claiming aloud, there appeared to be
absolutely no reason for its presence
there at any lime. There was no mark
or blemish upon or about the eye. 1t
was as clear and penetrating as it's