The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1907-01-18

out leaped the spark upon the finder, and
shortly the two figures and their near en-
vironment were illumined in the quavering
light from the lantern.
Now for the bag!" cried the owner Of
the lantern. holding it so as to get 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 II, the COL
ample wrinkles as to partially hide the
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 cooked hat above
black velvet riding mask.
"A very creditable disguise" said the last
arrival.
Disguise, sir?" was the quick rejoinder
AYE; for surely it is but the VOLTS
clothing, and within it hides princess;
for. as little Red Riding Hood said to the
verse things-'What delicate hands are
thesev"
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."
I'm good time. sir. in good time" was
deny my youth-but that is mended little
every day. Now, the bag, at your quickest,
and tease not my patience longer"
sacrifice of me; may beg little ON my
side? OF what nature is the document you
seek only to destroy? Who knows what con-
sequences may accrue to me in this matter
of breach of my most sacred duty?"
She considered little.
Are you acquainted with the lord Of the
manor of Fairfeld?"
II am not"
"Yet your are his messenger-you are
despatched from London with particular and
private papers which must reach their des-
tination noon tomorrow. You see. l
am well informed"
at appears so. But messenger, as you
Ill Il. H.. o..Iw
not be personally acquainted with him whom
he serves. / do not know the lord of the
manor of Fairfield"
II want the packet directed to his stew
ard, and which inseructs the steward to take
steps to foreclose a mortgage upon a GER
tain property. You see, none will be harmed
by the step l am taking"
"Ah l must not inquire further into
your private business. and it is with sincere
regret that l assure you upon the honor OF
a gentleman that l am not his lordship's
messenger, and carry no private bag OF des-
patches"
"You are deceiving me-and now you will
betray mel" she burst out in terrified
anxiety, forgetful of the disguise she had
used In her voice with considerable success.
The lantern dangled from her hand. throw
ing up its light and displaying the slender
deicacy 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
Madam"
But he was promptly interrupted.
"You are in error, sir, with your Ma
''Be it 30 for the moment, then. May 1
beg that you will repose little faith in
me?"
The head wearing the cooked hat and the
riding went upward in proud gesture.
revealing more of the lower part OF the
face:
be eighteen?' said the. other.
''You are rude, sir"
.'Truly, l feared for the breach In my
manners-a lady's age being SO delicate
subject"
Hardly enough to draw a squirt OF anger
from him."
well. as you will But had you not
better proceed on your way. and / tender
I'm afraid that is impossible for the
moment"
why soY'
"May inquire what is your next move
aOh," cried she. with fine air of non
chalance, ito lie In wait for my man. of
counsel He will come ere long, for sure.
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
She made no reply.
You whet my curiosity"
ct appears to have fine natural edge"
she retorted.
He laughed unsteady, and she turned
with an involuntary gesture He was
Are you not Lord Fairaeld's nephewi"
Il am not. I assure you. Is he the Ju-
dasf''