The Richmond palladium. (Richmond, Ind.) 1906-1907, 1906-07-17

Il thank you. but there is like to
be no obstacle at this time of the day.
hope TO have the good fortune to find
her walking in the garden. This would
simplify my quest"
Are you forbidden the house. them"
In measure l am. l have my enc
mics within the walls, but my good
friends also. If l get a word with
one of the latter. difficulties will dis
solve
Here the youth refined in his horse
and sat for a moment anxiouSly scan
ming the landscape. A belt of tall trees
bordered the lane. with thick under
growth that seemed impenetrable TO
sight or movement. Over the tops of
the bushes and between the trunks of
the trees Armstrong gathered glimpses
of large mansion in the distance. ex-
tensive groups of chimneys being the
most noticeable feature Nearer was
seen carpet of green lawn, and be-
yond, the dappled glitter of tie sun
light on a lake.
will you hold my horse:" asked
the youth. almost in a whisper. Il
must reconnoiter"
Armstrong sat silent, occasionally
leaning over to stroke the neck OF the
steed he beld in tether. He loved all
animals. especially horses, and they
reciprocated his affection. Suddenly
the silence was shattered by a cry
hoarse with rage.
II have been watching your ap-
proach, perjureds scoundrel, You shall
not escape me this time"
Sir, sir, l beseech YOU" came the
entreating tones of Wentworth: Il can
not bear arms against you. Listen but
a moment, sir
Draw, you dog, or die the death OF
one"
"Sir, I implore you; cannot draw
with you opposed. Sir let me say a
word OH
There was one clash of steel, then a
brief cry of pain, and now silence
again, all so quickly accomplished that
first word and last were uttered in the
time during which Armstrong leaped
from saddle to earth. He searched
hurriedly for the leafy tunnel through
which Wentworth had passed, but be.
sight again, his left hand grasping his
breast his right dragging the sword,
his face pale as chalk.
HE has killed me.' he gasped.
Nonsense. You would not now be
on your feet if the wound were mortal
Who is your assailant?"
|No matter for that. Help me
home"
81 shall first give the rogue a taste
drawing his blade.
But the other restrained his ardor,
leaning heavily upon him.
ut is her father. Do not leave me;
faint. If-I-if II cannot direct you,
take me down the lane, the highroad.
My home-the house to the right"
The victim collapsed in heap on the
sward, reddening the grass with his
blood.
Armstrong was no stranger to the
rough art of the leech. He undid the
doublet and flung it open; tore away
the waistcoat and shirt, disclosing an
ebbing cash.
'WeIl pierced" he muttered. "An
inch to the right would have done the
job. The poor chap parried, but not
enough; the onslaught was too fierce
and sudden. The old mans intention
was good, but the detection marred the
thrust"
He stanched the wound with the
torn shirt and tied sash tightly round
To Loo RI flo 81
his pouch he forced some fluid be-
tween the gray lips, and Wentworth,
with long sigh, opened his eyes.
Its nothing to boast Of" said Arm
strong carelessly. Il have ridden
twenty miles worse mangled. Can you
sit your horse if l put you on him."
80 God! 0 God!" moaned the youth,
near to weeping Fool that 1 was to
risk all for the chance of a wordv'
Tut. there's no risk. You'll be right
as Edinburgh in three weeks"
Three weeks! Oh, my God! Would
he had killed me outright"
what is troubling you? Anything
in which can help? l see you are no
coward, and it is not alone the wound
that hurts. Is it this Oxford Journey"
The prone invalid made no reply, but,
grooming, turned his face to the turf.
"Harken"' cried Armstrong earnest
ly. Although our acquaintance is Of
the shortest, l would dearly love to
do you a service. l will go to oxford
for you and do there whatever you
wish done"
The speaker Redeemed as he said this,
and his conscience reprOved him for
thus making use of the others in
trinity, although he maintained stout
~ to himself that he was honest in
his proclaniat
The stricken youth was no less trou-
bled in mind than in body, feeling him
self a treacherous wretch, accidentally
well punished; but he, too, inwardly
braced his weakening purpose by the
thought that he ACTED for the good of
his country, an action tending toward
the speedy return of peace.
Help me to my horse" he pleaded,
ignoring the proffer just made to him.
Il must get home and learn whether
this hurt is serious or not"
1T is far from serious, l tell you,
and it means only a months idleness.
Lean you on me. There; make no ex-
ertion. 1 will lift you to your sad
die