Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1908-06-04

long horseman's cloak about him. He
was a man below the middle height
and of a spare and active figure. 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
he knew that after nightfall such
waste places must have their perils.
He reached the crown of the hill and
pushed forward at a livelier gait.
For man Denis O'Halloran had little
fear. He had already acquired some
reputation in campaigns under an
alien flag. But it was a superstitious
age and he came of a sCperstitious
people. Therefore, when pushing
warily 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 a little plateau some so PAGES
from the road and circled by a rising
slope, stood a gallows wherein hung
the body Of a man. The sight was
familiar; by such means we're 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 n erect,
wrapped in a trailing cloak, the other
c%rouching to some labor.
The crouching figure moved; the
light cleaned on a pick as it rose, and
the clicking sound came again to his
ears. 1t was digging a grave pain
full and slowly. Presently 1t stopped,
dropping the tool, and as it did so the
other struck it SO that it 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
a flash and slipped an arm about her,
for she seemed near to falling.
Save me-" she said, 'for the love
of heaven"
Faith, madam, an I will be blithe
to do So" said Mr.. O'Halloran. He
looked down at her with satisfaction.
She was indeed a fine woman, though
not in her first youth.
The nan 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 a stern and melancholy ex-
preston. He carried himself with an
air Of dignity. Plainly he was of gen
tie breeding.
ut would be well, sir, if 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 we ARE an I'M
pertinent scoundrel," returned Mr..
O'Halloran.
Il do not desire to brawl with you,
my good fellow. Let it suffice you
that l have an explanation for what
am about"
AN explanation, have ye?" cried
Mr.. O'Halloran in vast indignation.
Then let me tell we that amongst
Irish gentlemen the striking iv a lady
admits no explanation. Scr, ye lack
gentility. If l had the time | would
tache ye manners with a cane"
What are you?" said the tall man
"%Jacobite fugitive, cutthroat, or an
Irish bogtrotter on a journey? Pray
give me so much Of your confidence
II hold a captains commission" re
piled Mr.. O'Halloran with becoming
dignity, though in what ARMY 1t is
not precisely convanient FIR me tc
mention. Does that content ye?"
Il am at your service" said the
ether.
MAY heaven aid you," murmuret
the lady. ....
Mr.. O'Halloran slipped off his cloak
drew his sword and stepped forward
with a lean activity.
The tall man was no match fol-
O'Halloran and before long a prick il
the shoulder made him drop his swort
with an oath.
Again, again!" screamed thu
woman.
Mr.. O'Halloran paid her no atten
ton, but stepped back, lowering hi
point.
Madam" said he, 81 have foun,
this gentleman a very brave and i'll
CANT fighter. To be thruthful with ye
I would know more Nv this business.
Then l will bid you goodnight
sir" she said coldly. Il can find m
way to the coach"
II must ask We, with due submis
sion, to remain where We ar.re," r.
piled Mr.. eO'Halloran. "At least unit
such time as l have inquired furthe
iv this gentleman"
The tall man was seated on til
ground, nursing his arm, his bac
propped against the gallows. He n
garded them curiously.
MY name is Yorke," he said. go
Francis Yorke. You may have hear
it?"
1T was tolerably familiar afte
Fonteuoy," laughed the Irishman.
Gan old man with grown sons abol
him married again." said the colone
"Haavpng air does not the DEVILS n