The Richmond palladium. (Richmond, Ind.) 1906-1907, 1906-07-28

coming t.own ..c..s.... nuI ueiore IL
blotted out the landscape he passed the
head or a valley and saw dimly
through the downpour a large encamp-
ment of white tents. A man In drab
on a black charger stood little chance
Of being seen against the dark forest
from the encampment. but he moved
on as rapidly as he could. knowing
that II Iuil came in the deluge he
ran great risk of detection by the out
posts. Some distance on he stood for
a time under the trees. blessing the
long cloak. which formerly he had
maligned for its ugliness, for now 1t
proved of good material and water
proof. The girl had evidently gone
down into the camp. and he was at
loss what to do.
He resolved to turn north, 60 on I'M
til he reached some place of shelter
and there wait for Frances. Progress
was slow, for the lane had become a
quagmire. The forest which he had
skirted extended now to the west. and
the road became woodland track,
but just where 1t began to penetrate
into the wilderness there shone upon
him a ray of hope. From an over
hanging branch Of the first tree hung
a limp and dripping white rag, tied by
one on horseback in such a position
that 1t might brush the face Of rider
passing that way. He took ii down,
and IL proved to be a lady's handker-
chief He thrust this token under his
cloak and chirruped to his discouraged
horse. When something like mile had
been cast behind him. his horse neigh
ed and was answered by another far
Their ahead. Then he came to for
ester's hut. and in an open shed, shell
tered from the storm, stood the COM
panion of Bruce. who showed lively
pleasure at the encounter.
Inside the hut a cheerful sight met
his eyes. A fire Of fagots blaxed on
the hearth, and before 1t stood a radi-
ant young woman arranging the
brands to their better burning with the
tip Of her boot. On a high stool was
spread her steaming cloak. In a far
corner sat the old forester and his
wife. The moment the dripping horse
man showed In the door the old woman
rose and began to set out a meal Of
dark bread and swine's flesh. boiled
aud cold.
"Ah. here you are at last!" cried the
girl II was beginning to fear should
have to 60 back to the camp for you.
Did you ind my tokenT'
Eyes," A...
"Give it to me-"
"Not so. Findings are keepings. You
cannot prove your right to the proper
ty."
"Alas, honest travellers are few, 40
these good people seem to think. Throw
of your cloak Here Is wooden hook
ny the fire that I have kept for it.
Draw up your stool and eat. I was
so hungry that I didn't wait. You see
what 1t Is to possess a good conscience
once more"
"What news have your"
"Hush! Great news. for am tho
very princess o11couts. One thing ay
a time, however, and the one thing now
is this black bread. We can get moth
ing for our horses at this place. SO
must set out again as soon as possible.
in spite Of the rain"
Once on the road again she gave him
her budget of news.
''You are a hero, William Arm
strong. England is ringing with your
exploits, and I never dreamed with
what a vaiorous knight Of old I trav-
eled. 1t seems you stormed Warwick
castle and took 1t. You passed unseen
through cordons Of troops, and it is
suspected you have dealings with the
devil, who travels beside you in the
guise of female, as is right and prop
er, and who appears and disappears
at her will. You attacked Lichfield
cathedral and captured it, and there Ia
much disapproval among the peasantry
that Cromwell had formerly dismanz
tied it, for they think that IL this had
not been done the holy belongings Of
the place would have bafiied you"
you think then that my fendish
character will protect me"
mot so. But you have nothing to
fear between here and Carlisle. I
thought you said De Courcy had been
killed.
"He went down, and supposed him
shot, but was in too much Of a hurry
to Inquire"
"He and others rode to the north last
night, and they are now between US
and Carlisle"
HE has as many lives as a cat II
that is the case why do you say the
road to Carlisle is clear7"
Because from Carlisle to Newcastle,
right across England, the Gordon IL to
be stretched, and from Carlisle west to
the coast. Before we, can reach there
q line Of men, almost within touching
distance of each other, will extend from
sea to sea. and all trafic north will be
stopped. A thousand pounds is on
your head. The general himself is on his
way north to see that you are trapped,
OF to be ready for any outbreak Of the
Scots should you win through"
81 fear I have been unable to con-
vince Oliver that am the devil, since
he takes such excellent human means
of frustrating me. A thousand pounds!
And yet you held that first day / was
Of slight valuev'
"What do you propose to dor
'You are the plan maker Of this
feray. What do you propose to do, or