Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1907-01-02
THE HICHWAYMAD
/ A Tale of the OLden Time
] BY Julia Downing

BY Julia Downing


Snck, went the steel against the flint.
out leaped the spark upon the finder, and
shortly the two figures and their near en-
vironment were illumined In the quayering
light from the lantern.
Now for the bag!'' cried the owner Of
the lantern, holding 1t SO as to get a glimpse
of the cavaliers features. forgetful that In
so doing the radiance fell also upon herself.
1t revealed slender figure, addressed in
a blue coat much too large for 1t, the col
lar budding about the shoulders in such
lower part of the face and the cut-awaY
tails falling to the heels. For the rest there
were baggy knee-breeches., roomy top-boots
bearing spurs, and a cooked hat above q
black velvet riding mask.
"A very credtabie disguise" said the last
arrival.
Disguise, sir?" was the quick rejoinder.
Aye; for surely it is but the VOLTS
clothing and within 1t hides a princess
for, as little Red Riding Hood said to the
supposed grandmamma, only we must re-
verse things-sWhat delicate hands are
thesen"
She who held the lantern almost dropped
1t, but recovered instantly.
Your bag, sir: no more parleying."
II also catch a glimpse of a Chin too
softly fair for beard to grow upon it.
-, In good time. sir. in good time. was
deny my youth-but that Is mended little
every day. Now. the bag, at your quickest.
se nSs my ws great
sacrifice OF me; may beg little on my
side? OF what nature is the document you
seek only to destroyg Who knows what con-
sequences may accrue to me In this matter
Of a breach of my most sacred duty?"
She considered little.
Are you acquainted with the lord of the
manor OF Fairfeld?"
Il am not
"Yet your are his messenger--you are
despatched from London with particular and
private papers which must reach their des-
tination ere noon tomorrow. You see, Il
am well informed.
1T appears SO. But messenger. as you
said awhile ago. is but servant. and may
not be personally acquainted with him whom
manor of Fairfield"
ard, and which instructs the steward to take
steps TO foreclose mortgage upon q GER
tain property You see. none will be harmed
by the step I am taking"
"Ah! l must not Inquire further into
your private business, and 1t is with sincere
regret that assure you upon the honor Of
messenger. and carry no private bag of des-
patches
you are deceIving me-and now you viii
anxiety. forgetful of the disguise she had
used In her voice with considerable success.
The lantern dangled from her hand. throw
delicacy of the fingers and their shapeli-
ness
The others eyes scarce wandered from that
white hand, so oddly asserting with the blue
coat sleeves ample proportions. Now he
bowed with well-bred grace. saying:
Madam"
But he was promptly interrupted.
dam
BE II so for the moment, then May 1
beg that you will repose little faith in
The head wearing the cooked hat and the
riding mask went upward in proud gesture.
revealing more of the lower part Of the
face
Eat venture. may guess your age to
be eighteen?" said the other.
You are rude, sir.
"TruIy, / feared for the breach In my
Manners iady's age being SO delicate a
"a mans may be private matter"
Hardy enough TO draw squirt OF anger
well as you will. But had You not
better proceed on your way. and | tender
I'm afraid that Is impossible for the
why soy'
"May / inquire what is your next move
"Oh." cried she, with a fine air Of non
chalance. Ito lie In wait for my man. OF
I'll have the right one before I'm done |:
Faint heart ne'er won fair lady"
.Ah. there is lady in the case?"
And she blew out the light and pro-
ceeded to refasten the lantern to the saddle,
Then ! am sure the matter is romantic. :"
She made no reply.
You whet my curiosity"
1T appears to have nne natural edge"
He laughed muslcally. and she turned
with an Involuntary gesture. He was .
"Ars you NOT Lord FairaeId's nsphswss
u am not. assure YOU Is he the Ju-
"You speak better than you know" was
the answer.