Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-08-09

the water of the creek, doubtless to
serve as n convenience for fisher boats,
which could lie alongside OF it even at
low tide. This mole had been n7uch ,fe-
stroyed by centuries of washing, so
though the landward part was still al
most sound and level.
Coming over the little rise at the top
OF the wooded tongue the quick eyes
NJ Wulf, who rode first-for here tile
path along the border Of the swamp
was so narrow that they must go in
single fle--caught sight Of a large, emp
~ boat moored to an iron ring set in
,he wall of the mole.
Your fishermen have landed. Rosa
mund," be said, land doubtless gone up
to Rradwell."
THAT is strange" she answered anx-
lousy, since here he fishermen ever
come"
On they rode until they came TO the
root of the stone quay or pier, when Il
sound behind them caused them to look
back. Then they saw a sight that sent
The blood to their hearts, for there be-
hind them, lcaping down Ole by one on
70 that narrow footway, were men arm.
ed with naked swords, six or eight Of
them, all of whom, they noted, had
strips Of linen pierced with eyelet holes
tied beneath their helms or leather
caps so as TO conceal their faces.
"A snare, a snare" cried Wulf, draw.
ing his sword. Swift. Follow me I'D
the Bradwcll path" and he struck the
spurs into his horse. 1t bounded for
ward, TO be dragged next second with
all the weight of his powerful arm al
most to its launches. Goods mercy"
he cried. 'Therc are more OF them,'
And more there were, for another band
of men, armed and linen hooded like
the first, had lenped down on to that
Bradwell path. among them a stout
man, who seemed to be unarmed ex-
cept for n long. crooked knife Mt his
girdle and Il coat Of hinged mail.
"Io the boat shouted Goodwin,
whereat the stout man laughed, a light,
penetrating laugh which even then all
three of them heard and noted.
Along the quay they rode, since there
"os u ia lhrN tOllll 20.
with both paths barred and swamp
nid water o II one side of them and a
steep wooded bank upon the other,
When they reached II they found why
the man had laughed, for the boat was
made fast with Il strong chain that
could not be cut. More, her sail and
oars were gone.
Get into IT, Knocked a voice, cor Mt
least let the lady get in. 1t will save
us the trouble of carrying her there"
Now kOsamund turned very pale.
while the face of Wulf went red and
white, and he gripped his sword hilt.
But Goodwin, calm as ever, rode for
ward a few PAGES and said quietly:
"Of your courtesy, say what You
need Of us. If it be money. we have
none--nothing but our arms and horses,
which, | think. may cost you dear"
Now the man with the crooked knife
advanced n little, accompanied by nm
Dther man. A tall, supple looking knave,
into whose ear he whispered.
MY master says answered the tnil
man, that you have with you that
$4,000 " VI diu tHuu all tuc
kings gold-a very fair lady, of whom
some one has urgent need. Give her
up now and go your way with your
arms and horses, for yon dro gallant
young men whose blood we 10 not
wish 10 she'd"
"Giye her up" answered Goodwin.
Sand go our ways d~ishonoreG7 Ave,
with our breath, but not before. Who,
then, has such urgent need OF the Lady
Rosamund?"
Again there was whispering between
the pair.
my master says" was the answer,
"he THINKS that all who see her will
have need Of her, since such lovellness
IL rare. But II you wish a name-well.
one comes iuto his mind-the name Of
the knight Lozelle."
"The knight Lozelie." murmured
kosainund, turning even paler than be-
tore, as well she might. For this To-
yel!c was Il 20 "erful man and Essex
born. He owned ships OF whose doings
upon the seas and III the east evil tales
were told, and once had sought Rosa
nund's hand In marriage, bur, being
rejected, uttered threats for which
Goodwin, as the elder OF the twins, had