Gilpin observer., 1907-06-06
The Scarlet
Scarf
BY F. FL. Melville
Copyright. by Joseph B. Bowles.)

Falkland was aStir; the streets were
full Of unfamiliar dazzling figures NOV
ing with one accord toward the palace
where Douglas, the earl of Angus,
would entertain for his royal prisoner,
James Stuart.
The ports stood open while troops
of gay horsemen and horsewomen
cantered through, lords and ladies
from the length and breadth of the
Kingdom of Fife. Their trains fol-
lowed them in bright disorder of
color and glitter. Each guest destined
for the palace wore a small mask and
many and various were the costumes
donned by the masqueraders.
At the entrance to the park stood
the young king. James Stuart King
in name only, for his stern step
father Douglas the earl of Angus,
virtually held him prisoner. nor could
he even ride within the limits of Fall-
land park unescorted. The ruddy-
curied youth, longing for freedom,
stood watching the motley crowd, un-
masked, clothed in a Spanish dress of
purple and silver, his hair catching
the sunlight and glowing copper-red
as he bowed to the guests, making
their obeisance and filing before him
little way behind him stood Doug
las, earl of Angus, an unmistakable
figure, though masked and in the dress
of an ancient Thane, his eyes ever on
his royal prisoner.
Among the gay company of mas
queraders there appeared presently, a
lean man, wallet on side. and woman
with long dark locks, in the short
striped skirt of the peasant; and a
crooked staff in her hand. The king
bowed carelessly.
"On the word of Douglas" whis-
pered the earl of Angus. "'tis the
Spaewife of Creich to the life, and
Leslie himself. Could we but see her
eyes"
Spaewife." exclaimed James Then
shall she read us our riddles. Let us
now to the company and afterward to
the play"
The king had drawn a little apart
from the crowd when a voice broke in
gently:
May it please his majesty to hear
what the fates have written?'
'Of surety, good madam replied
the king. at once extending his hand;
Say on" She bent over the palm
eagerly, mumbling some indistinct
words James inclined his head to
listen intently
Broken bonds by the aid of
friend"-the voice fell to a whisper so
hot bn o1n rlA
er read from the hand. Horses at
midnight outside the West Port Even
now the means of liberty lie in the
royal chamber. The guard at the
royal postern will be silent Follow
the Spaewife standing at the gate
house on the stroke of L. Lose all,
or gain everything"
Then she stopped again and peered
closely into the palm as if seeking
there what she had said, and her brow
became clouded
"'Tis written, It's written" she
said, as if to reassu;e herself. But
beware of woman! Woman ever
worked Ill to the Stuart race" Then
suddenly dropping the hand she
turned to find the Douglas and his
young daughter Margaret who stood
behind her. Attracted by the scene,
other guests flocking in their wake,
came towards the king
"A soothsayer!" cried one, lightly.
Read me my fate, friend"
The Spaewife turned instead to
Angus.
Would the Douglas know his fate.
and what the future holds for him ?"
she demanded, drawing down her dark
brows, and fixing her eyes on Angus
face.
Nay" he answered, shortly. Doug
las heeds not old wives tales"
'If the Douglas will not, then read
me the weird of his daughter" broke
in the fair Margaret Douglas, stretch
Ing out her hand. The soothsayer
glanced at it, then at the pretty face
with its frame of golden hair. and
hesitated, her aspect softening some.
what
Speak" cried Margaret. imperious-
ly, flushing as she read the express
sion. Can it be that the Spaewife
pities Margaret Douglas?"
TO betray half-brother, to wander
with never home, to love and be
loved. then to languish in vain within
prison walls"
The earl of Angus stepped forward
with an angry word. but Margaret only
laughed merrily. dropped curtsey,
and exclaimed:
"Betray half-brother-that is
jamie! Langulsh in a dungeon!
Where will 1t be, jamie? 'Tis not too
kind. But | shall love and be loved
All, well-a-day!" And she skipped off,
dragging the king with her, to see the
dancers on the bowling green. while
the Spaewife disappeared in the
crowd, followed by her lsinsnnn