The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1908-09-25

crleu aloud. come, talk sense. There
are no swallows flying at this time
not ny by night nor give men wounds
like that. What was it? Out with if.
now! DO you not see. man" he added,
giving Martin an impatient shake, that
Sir Anthony is waiting"
Inc fool nodded stupidity. "A swal-
low" he AYE. twas a
swallow, a great big swallow. II
nearly put my foot on him."
And he flew up and hit you in the
race" Baldwin said. with huge con-
tempt in his tone.
Martin accepted the suggestion Mac
idly. Aye. twas so. A great big swal-
low, and he flew in my face" he re-
peated.
Sir Anthony looked at him COM
p~psSsonaeely. Poor fellow" he aid
OF his fits and hurt himself."
Il never knew him to hurt himself"
Baldwin muttered darkly.
Let somebody see to him." the
Knight said, disregarding the interrupt
where has the girl gomez" '
Not far. Only round to the other
side OF him, that she might be a little
nearer to Martin. Tho curiosity in the
other women's faces was a small thing
IN comparison with the startled. ear
nest look in hers. She sazed at the
man with eyes not of alright. but of
eager, avid questioning, while through
her parted lips her breath came in
gasps. Her cheek was red and white
by turns, and for her heart-well. it
mao seemed to stand still Il moment
ana now was beating like the
heart of some poor captured bird
held in the hand. She did not
seem to hea her father speak
10 hef, and he had to touch her sleeve
men she started as though she were
L CWikenlHv ffnno Il I,srr,, --1 ~
MIN sadly into the house.
Sao!s, n yet there was q light in
her eyes which had not been there five
minutes before. A swallow? a great
pig swallow? And his was December,
when the swallows We're at the bottom
OF the horse ponds. She only knew of
one swallow whose return was pcssihle
IN winter. But then that one swallow
aye, though the snow should lie inches
aetp M tne chase and the water should
lner FOR her. Could it be that one?
Could 1T be? Petronilla's heart was
beating so loudly as she went up stairs
AFTER her father that she wondered he
did not hear it.
The group left round Martin gradu-
ally melted away. Baldwin vas the
only man who could deal with him in
MS mad fits, and the other servants.
with a shudder and a backward glance,
siadly left him to the steward. Mis-
IIess anne mad gone In some time. Only
FERDINAND Cludde remained, and he
stood a little apart and seemed more
deeply engaged in listening for any
sound which might betoken the sher-
MS approach than in hearkening to
their conversation. Listen as he mipht
he would nave gained little from the
latter. for 1t was made up entirely of
scolding on one side and stupid reit-
GRAFTON on the other. Yet Ferdinand
ever suspicious and on his guard, must
lave Ielt some interest in it. for he
presently called the steward to him. rs
be more fool or knave?" he muttered.
pointing under hand at Martin, who
stood in the gloom a few PAGES away.
Baldwin shrugged his shoulders, but
remained silent. What happened?
what Is the meaning Of it all?" Ferdi-
nand persisted, his keen eyes on the
stewards face. Did he do it him
self. or who did it?"
Baldwin turned slowly and nodded
toward the moat. II expect you will
tlnd MIN who did it there" he said
Anthony or Master Francis hit Martin
yet but he paid for 1t, and when his
temper is up he is mad, or as good as
mad. and better than two sane e
He is a dangerous fellow" Ferdi-
nand said ~thoughtfully, shivering a lit
tie. 1t was unlike him to SILVER and
shake, but the bravest have their
moods.
dangerous" the steward answered.
AYE, he is to some and sometimes"
Ferdinand Cludde looked sharply at
the speaker, as If he suspected him Of a
covert sneer. But Baldwin's gloomy
face betrayed no CLINT of intelligence or
amusement, n the Knights brother.
treasured and yet uneasy turned on his
heel and went into the house. meeting
at the o a servan who came to tell
him that Sir Anthony was calling for
him. Baldwin Moor. left alone, stood
a m thinking and then turned to
speak to Martin. But Martin was gone
and was nowhere to be seen. The lights
in the hall windows twlnkled cheerily,
and the great fire cast its glow way
across the courtyard. as lights and fire
had twinkled and glowesl at Cotton End
on many a night before. But neither
In hall nor chamber was there any
answering merriment. Baldwin, COM
ingi In, cursed the van who were in
his way. and the men moved meekly
n without retort. taking his oaths for
what they were-a mans tears. The
women fox sat listening, pale and
grooms. those who had done least in
the skirmish, had visions Of a tree and
a rope and ooked sickly. The rest
scowled and blinked at the fire or
kicked up q dog If 1t barked In its
sleep.
Hasn't Martin come in?" Baldwin
growled presently, setting his heavy
wet boot on a glowing log. which Kissed
and sputtered under it. Where is he 90
Don't know" one OF the men took
on himself to answer. He liz not
come in here"
II wonder what he is up to now?"
Baldwin exclaimed. with gloomy irri-
tation. for which. under the circum-
stances. he a ample excuse. He
knew that resistance was utterly hope
less and could only make matters
worse and twist the rope more tightly
about his neck, to put the thought as
he framed it, The suspicion. there
fore. that this madman-for such In
his worst fits the fool became-might
be hanging round the place in dark
corners. doing what deadly mischief
he could to the attacking party, was
not n pleasant one.
A gray haired man in the warmest
nook by the fire seemed to read his
thoughts. There is one in the house"
ne said slowly oracularly, his ewes
on Baldwin's boot. whom he has lust
as good a mind to hurt. has our Mar
tin. as n OF them Clopton men. Aye.
that has he, Master Baldwin,"
And who is that. gaffer?" Baldwin
asked contemptuously.
But the old fellow turned shy. We'll.
1t is not Sir Anthony he answered.
@~