The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1907-05-12
Fair Margaret Castel
Bx H. RIDER HA0oARD.
Copyright, 1907. 6g II. Rider Ha00ard.
(ConGinaed.l

(CoNtfnssd)
On the following morning, that Of Sum
day, Peter, Margaret and Betty went to-
gether TO mass at St. Paul's Church, but
CastAp said that he was III and did not
come. Indeed, now that his COINCIDENCE
was stirred as TO the double life he had
led 90 long, he ~purposed, II he could avoid
IL, 10 worship In a Christian church no
more.
Therefore me said that ne was 5i0h, and
they, knowing that bis sickness was OF the
heart, answered nothing. But privately
they wondered what he would do who
could not always remain sick. since not to
"a to church and partake OF its sacraments
was to be published as a hereto.
But he did not accompany them himself,
Castell, without their knowledge, sent
two OF his stoutest servants, bidding these
keep near to them and see that they came
home safe.
Now. when they left the church Peter
saw two Spaniards, whose faces he thought
he knew, who seemed TO be watching them,
but, as he lost sight Of them presently in
the throng. said nothing, Their shortest
way home ran across some fields and gar
dens, where there were few houses.
This lane then they followed. talking
earnestly to each other and noting nothing
till Betty, behind them, called out to them
to beware. Then Peter looked up n
saw the two Spaniards scrambling through
a gap in the fence not six ace ahead OF
them, saw also that they~laid their hands
upon their sword hits.
sLet us pass them boldly" he muttered
TO Margaret; "Tll not turn my back on a
braco Of Spaniards.' but he also laid his
hand upon the hilt of the sword he wore
beneath his cloak, and bede her get behind
him.
Thus, then, they came face to face. Now,
the Spantards. who were evil looking fell
lows, bowed oourteously enough and asked
il he we're not Master Peter Bronze. They
spoke in Spanish, but, like Margaret Peter
knew this tongue. IL too well, having been
taught it as a child and praotised it much
since he came into the service Of John Cas-
tell. who used 1t largely in his trade.
yes" he answered. What Is your
business with me?"
I'VE nave a message for you, Senior,
from a certain comrade OF ours. one Andrew,
a Scotchman, whom you met a few nights
ago." replied the spokesman OF the pair.
"He Is dead, but still he sends his message.
and It is TINT we should ask you to join him
Ut OhCOs Wv oi vi No hSNhSiS A'
sworn to deliver that message and to see
that you keep the tryst. If some Of us
should chance to fail, then others will meet
you with the message until you keep that
tryst."
"You mean that o wish to murder
me-" said Peter, setting his mouth and
drawing the sword from beneath his cloak.
well, come on, towards. and we will see
who Andrew gets for company in hell
to-day. Run back, Margaret and Betty,
rum And he tore of his cloak and threw
il over his left arm.
So for a moment they stood. for he looked
fierce and i'll to deal with. Then, just as
they began TO feint in front of him, there
came a rush of feet, and on either side Of
Peter appeared the two stout serving men
also sword in hand.
Il am glad of your company, he said,
catching sight OF them out of the corners
of his eyes. Now, Seniors Cutthroats.
do YOU still wish TO deliver that message?'
The answer of the ~Spaniards. who saw
themselves thus Unexpectedly outmatched,
was 70 turn and rum, whereon one of the
serving man picked up a big stone that
lay in the path and hurled it after them with
all his force. II struck the hindmost
Spaniard full in the back. and so heavy
was the blow that he fell on his face in
the mud, whence he rose and limped away.
cursing them with strange Spanish oaths
and vowing vengeance!
"Now," said Peter, Il think that we may
20 home in safety. for no more messages
will come from Andrew to-day"
mo- gasped Margaret. nc to-day.
but tomorrow or the next day they will
come, and, oh, how will it end?'
THAT God knows alone answered Peter
Rravely as he sheathed his sword.
When the story OF this attempt was told
to Castell he seemed much disturbed.
1T is clear that they have a blood feud
against you on account OF that Sootchman
whom you killed in self-defence.' he said
anxiouBly. ALSO these Spaniards are very
~revengeful. nor have they forgiven you
for calling the English 10 your aid against
them. Peter. ! fear that IL you go abroad
they will murder you
well, I oannot stay indoors. like a
rat in a drain" said Peter Grossly" 20 what
is to be doneH Appeal TO the law?'
"No; for you nave just broken the aw by
killing a man. l think you had best &C
away till this storm blows over"
go away Peter go awayS' broke in
Margaret, dismayed.
"Yes,' answered her Iather. Listen,
daughter. You cannot be married at once
II Is not seemly; moreover, notice must be
given and arrangements made.
"A month hence will be soon enough,
and that is not long for youto wait VIII only
became aflanced yesterday. Also. until
you are married, no word must be said to
n one Of this betrothal Of yours lest
thoan Spaniards should lay their feud al
your door also and work you some mis-
chief. Let none know Of It. / charge you
andin company be distant to each other. al
though there were nothing between you
As you will. SIR replisd Peter, but fol
my part l do not like all these hidings o.
the truth, which ever lead TO future trouble
cay, let me bide here and take my chance
and let us be we'd as soon as may be-
sThat your wife may be made q widow
before the week is out or the hous burntec
about our ears by these rascals and theil
followingi No. no. Peter; walk softly
that you may walk safely. We win heal
the report of the Spaniard DAguilar, anc
afterward take counsel
CHAPTER vi.
FAREWELL,
D'Aguilar came &c supper that nigh