Free press., 1907-01-12
THE HICHWAYMA
/ A Tale of the OLden Time
By Julia Downing

By Julia Downing

Sniek: went the steel against the flint.
out leaped the spark upon the tinder, and
shortly the two figures and their near en-
vironment iIlumined in the quayering
light from the lantern:
Now for the bagi" 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 a slender figure, addressed in
a blue coat much too large for it. the col
lar huddiing about the shoulders in such
lower part of the face. and the cut-away
were baggy knee-breeches, roOmy top-boots
bearing spurs, and cooked hat above q
black velvet riding mask.
"A very creditabie Disguise said the last
arrival.
AYE; for surely it is but the VOLTS
clothing and within it hides a princess;
for. little Red Riding Hood said to the
these = --S
She who held the lantern almost dropped
it, but recovered instantly.
your bag, sir: no more parleying."
81 also catch a glimpse of chin too
softly fair for a beard to grow upon il. .
In good time. sir, in good time. was
deny my youth-but that is mended a little
every day. Now, the bag, at your quickest.
ana feaf fS nSs Sar my We Reg Ss9snd
sacrifice of me; may beg little on my
side? OF " what ds.n nature us is the he document you
sequences may accrue to me in this matter
of a breach of my most sacred duty?
sAre you acquainted with the lord of the
manor of Fairfeld?''
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, I
''It appears SO. But messenger, as you
said awhile ago. is but a servant, and may
not be personally acquainted with him whom
manor of Fairfield
''I want the packet directed to his stew
ard, and which fnstructs the steward to take
steps to foreclOse mortgage upon
tain property. You see, none will be harmed
by the step I am taking
your private business, and it is with sincere
regret that l assure assure you upon the honor ,- Of
messenger, and carry no private bag of des-
patches"
anxiety. forgetfuI of the disguise she had
The lantern dangled from her hand, throw
ing up its light and displaying the slender
deiicacy 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:
But he was promptly interrupted.
dam"
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.
"At a venture. may guess your age to
be eighteen?" said the other
''You are rude sir"
'Truly, I feared for the breach in my
subject
"a mans may be private matter"
Hardly enough to draw squirt of anger
from him.
well, as you will. But had you not
better proceed on your way. and tender
my apologies for the interruption %
"Pm afraid that is impossible for the
why sog'
May l inquire what is your next move
toh," cried she, with fine air of non
chalance, ito lie IN wait for my man, of
course. 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 a lady in the case
'"There is"
And. she blew out the light; and pro-
ceeded to refasten the lantern to the saddle
Then I am sure the matter is romantic %
She made reply
You Whet my curiosity.
cit appears to have fine natural edge, =
she retorted.,
He laughed musicaIIy, and she turned
with an involuntary gesture. He was a
weIl-bred man.
"Are you not Lord Fairaeld's nephew"
'I am not. assure you. Is he the Ju-
you speak better than you know" was
the answer.