Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1908-07-01

S "a I" spaie anu active nSuTe. his
expression was resolute and his eyes
OF a merry audacity.
He rode swiftly through the village
street, easing his mount as he met the
shoulder OF the hill 1t was an age
when the wayfarer had still to rely
upon his own weapon for safety. and
ne knew that after nightfall such
waste places must have their perils.
lie reached the crown of the hill and
pushed forward at a livelier gait
For man Denis O'Halloran had little
Tear. He had already acquired some
reputation in campaigns under an
alien flag. But it was a superstitious
age and he came Of a superstitious
people. Therefore, when pushing
warfly forward he rounded the spur of
the hill into the full light of the moon.
the spectacle which met his gaze
shook his heart into his mouth and
his hand to the pistol in his holster.
On little plateau some so PAGES
from the road and circled by a rising
slope, stood q gallows wherein hung
the body Of a man. The sight was
familiar; by such means were the
highways rightfully protected. But
the corpse did not swing unattended
A few PAGES from the foot of the glib
bet were two figures, the one erect,
wrapped in trailing cloak, the other
crouching to some labor.
The crouching figure moved; the
Eight cleaned on pick as 1t rose, and
the clicking sound came again to his
ears. 1t was digging grave pain
oil tx- q.
dropping the tool, and as It did so the
ether struck it so that 1t raised a
loud wall OF pain. A woman's voice.
thought the traveller, and his blood
stirred within him. With an oath he
set spurs to his horse and galloped
headlong toward them.
The man never moved from where
he stood, but the woman ran toward
him. crying. with outstretched arms.
The traveller was out of the saddle in
hash and slipped an arm about her.
Tor she seemed near to falling
Save me-" she said. for the love
Of heaven"
Faith, madam, an / will be blithe
to do so,' said Mr.. O'Halloran. He
looked down at her with satisfaction.
III.
not in her first youth.
The man advanced from beneath
the shadow of the corpse. dropping
his cloak as he did SO. The moon
showed him tall and lean, with a long
face and stern and melancholy ex.
preston. He carried himself with an
air OF dignity. Plainly he was of gen
tie breeding
1T would be well. sir, II you do not
interfere in that which nowise con-
Germs you" he said sternly.
BY the blessed saints. but did We
ever hear the like" cried Mr.. O'Hal-
loran.
Il perceive you are an Irishman."
sneered the tall man.
An perceive that ye ARE an i'm.
pertinent scoundrel," returned Mr.
c'Halloran.
i do not desire to brawl with YOU.
my good fellow. Let il suffice YOU
that j have an explanation for what I
am about"
An explanation, have ye?" cried
Mr.. OHalloran in vast Indignation.
Then let me tell we that amongst
Irish gentlemen the striking ~ a lady
admits no explanation. Sor. We lack
sentiIlty. III L had the time / would
tache we manners with a cane"
What are your" said the tall man
"Jacobite fugitive. cutthroat or an
Irish bogtrotter on a journey? Pray
give me so much Of your confidence"
hold a captains commission" re-
pied Mr.. O'Halloran with becoming
dignity, though in what ARMY IL IS
not precisely convanient fr me 10
mention. Does that content ye?"
Il am at your service" said tho
other.
May heaven aid you" m,Irmured
the lady.
MIR. OHalloran slipped on his cloak
drew his sword and stepped forward
with lean activity.
The tall man was no match for
OHalloran and before long a prick in
the shoulder made him drop his sword
with an oath.
Again, again." screamed the
woman.
Mr.. OHallOran paid her no atten.
ton. but stepped back. lowering his
point
Madam said he, II have found
this gentleman a very brave and III.
CANT fighter. To be thruthful with We.
would know more fv this business.
Then / will bid you goodnight
SIR she said coldly. Il can find NV
way to the coach"
must ask ye. with due submits
sion. - remain where We ARE" re-
?ied Mr.. O'Halloran. AT least until
sch time as I have inquired further
iv this gentleman"
Inc TAN man was seated en- the
ground, nursing his arm. his back
propped against the gallows. JIe re.
garded them cdricusly.