The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-01-15
A GAELIC CHlEFTAIN'S.W OOING

the throns. was on its feet and at him.
his own harp. Doh1ul liz fe From th: Ss
cons, hurled them Into tho advancing
throns The flaming brands struck among
Th ass IN Z, the murky, smoky darkness
Guard the door, rang the voice OF
| Garaidh.
Tercall had already seen that it was
held. close packed, with men,. The win
there. Wit With the kings spear he drove
rq the s wnd sinking ah bSsy s.sd S
he tore them loose. grasped his nearest
foe and hurled him back upon the rest.
AS they swayetd he sprang through
1t was moment before the huddled
mass OF. cropping men understood his es-
cape. Then through doors and windows
they poured after him..
heard horses gaiiopins away. There were
curses loud and deep. shouts for their
osnnh ho rise bu. ere they came pursuit
When it slackened. Haco. the page, re-
turned and sought new hiding. For Tor
call was not with the page. nor had Tor
call given his signal cry.
In her chamber raised the Joint height
Of a man and a boy above the earth,
there had sat, niusing. Breast Of Light.
then tuIault. Of sound. She rose, won.
der N and hesltatins At last spEang for,
the low stair. she stood trembling. -
There was sound ut the window be-
hind her. She turned. A great figure
sprang. into the room. dashed out the
Breast of Light shrank back, her
palms against the wall.
4 am Torcall Of Lochlann, son Of Olaf.
Denounce me, II you WILL,
Now the girl gave low cry.
"The harper3"
''The same"
First disguised and now seeking re-
fuge with a woman!''
Torcall leaned back. laughing softly.
Though his enemies swarmed about him,
he seemed in no haste now.
Refuge! am liking that"
-. What them" she asked. curiously.
Il came to take you for WIFE,
She drew up proudly.
LISTEN" he said. in soft. sweet Gaelic
(made, was 1t not? for words of love-
They wished me to have to wife the
daughter OF chieftain great in lands
came to tne-and stayed pictured to
myself what you would be-the flower OF
the beauty of the world"
And 1 am not" She smiled demurely.
Nv When en- saw ;; wye, you my heart stopped"
II came to take you-but hoped that
when ! came you might not be unwil-
ling. WIN you come? Look at me-"
He bent toward her, but touched her
not. The light of the moon was full on
his face. noble, commanding.
She raised her own, and their eyes met,
hers in q long inquiry which seemed
to ask In this one moment al she would
need to know for her lifetime's happl-
ness.
She did not speak, but something In
her eyes spoke for her.
he caught her to him.
| A CHI
heart throbbing, then drew away anxious
| ~. Come. l must hide you
Instantly he. was Torcall, the proud
| chieftain of Lochlann.
| mo. came disguised that l might
first see. But shall take you, asking
| no man, openly"
She shuddered against him. 1T Will be
death to you. They are beneath the win.
he grasped tho. spear. strobe over and
looked out. Four warriors talked together
Suddenly one of them looked up, gave a
h hm ghe encamaHn Scarce had i
his chest.
selzng Breast Of Light about the waist.
and sls down upon them. Crushed beneath
the body, but held UP the girl safe from
harm. lie struck up the weapon at his
breast and with his free arm drove the
breath out Of the body Of his foe. Now
he was on his feet, and sprang toward
the distant clump Of trees, Where the
horses had been hidden.
The cries had brought behind him a
score or pursuing feet, a
Swift rs was Torcall, he was hampered
by his burden. They gained upon him.
Close behind he could hear the foremost,s
quiel.drawn breath, almost feel the spear
against his back.
threw e., Wy out hts fo2s The spear went past
earth, Once again Torcall leaned, for
ward, and sounded a shrill cry to Haco.
Then came the thunder OF hoofs.
Torcall threw Breast of Light into the
saddle and leaped behind her.
The all-night fight began.
AS dawn streaked the sky, q messenger
met Garaidh at theshead OF his reseuing
men. =
Your daughter Is with Torcall of Loeb
lann-wlllingly. Is II war or peace?"
Murmured King Garaidh: THE king
doms will be one. have no son. Where
can I get a better one than that stout
!. Torcall, so swift to take what he wants !?
Bes!desIatt = aillitt that song he sang