New-York tribune., 1907-10-27

theirs: for they /l~
heavy with \
booty from the
slain and the
Douglas must needs ride with them 50 they came
into the castle courtyard and into the hall where
they heaped up plates of mail and silver buckles
strong bows and jeweled dirks, furred mantes and
grdes of silk.
Lady Barbara came forth from her bower to greet
the Percy and her maidens followed. crying aloud
At the rich array glittering in the torchlight
Inc Douglas stood apart with bent head, with no
eyes for fair women. Nor saw she him she casped
her father neck, weeping for JOY that he safe
from the battle
Then soon the Percy bade set up the trestles and
LAY the boards; and, bethnklng himself of the
Douglas, laid heavy hand on his shoulder and drew
him forward. Yet still he lifted not his eyes for
Shame.
that breaks into my parks and steals my deer that
Toos my lands and slays my folk; here IS he alive
and bound, like a common robber-ay, and shall
hang on the gallows tree when | say'the word'
But the young man shook off the hand from his
shoulder and cried IN anger. " Devil take thee, old
man Have l then cattle stolen or knsrnen
slain: And as for death-faugh! the hussy may be
Aouted yet"
Ho. hoI" roared the Percy. well art thou the
son of the old Douglas, the iron hearted and iron
the health OF my foe"
The Lady Barbara poured and gave the cup 10
her father; but all the while she looked the Doug
las bare headed. blood stained straitly bound still
holding, though he knew the hilt of his broken
sword. And he stared upon the rushes and spoke
no word.
Then when the Percy had drunk he bade fill the
cup again and cut the bonds OF the Douglas, and
the fair lady herself bore the Wine and offered it.
saving sweetly, Drink and refresh thyself lord
But the red came over his face, like the tide up
Soway, and he dashed the cup earth so that the
vine stained the ladys fair embroidered gown.
When II IS filled with the PcrCy's blood then VIII
/ drink" quoth he.
The lady put her hands to her face and said under
her breath, Are We so churlish''
Yet would he not look up or heed her.
The Percy laughed long and loud; and, sitting
down at the head of the board, quOth, Ha, sir,
bethink You! | give You fair choice: to we'd my
Barbara or 10 hang. l swear 1t, by St. Peter"
"Nay." cried the lady, and knelt at her fathers
knee.
Peace peace." said he TO the maid, It's good
fest Then he turned him The knight again,
VIII ye heal the old feud thus: Well say what ye
have 70 say!'
Thereupon the Douglas laughed until the rafters
Your daughter, Percy" said he. Bring the
scullery maid a Gipsys brat. i ye Will. I5el:ke
I vii wed her, for the taste O the gallows IS bitter
t-- your wench-the shorter shri1t. the better
OF with him." shouted the Percy, TO the
dungeon, Tomorrow he shall pay.
Then came henchmen TO do their lords bidding
hut the daInsel stopped them until she had spoken.
Sir knight" e." quoth she. / would have YOU know
that rat her would be buried At cross roads with the
thorn stake through my breast than we'd YOU Now
behold whether | speak truth"
He looked and saw her standing behind her
fathers chair. In her anger she had torn the
wimpe from her throat, and her golden hair shone
against her face white as the foam ot milk; and
though her eyes were cold upon him winter frost,
h.-l seemed mortal could be ST, fair,
sweet brave. He stared upon her one that
hath lost his wit.
Then was set before the Percy q mighty venson
pasty. and he turned him TO the trenchers; but
The lady fled 10 her chamber, and men bore the