The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-16

light fell upon the long. green grass of
 midsummer there bounded splendid stag "a stag royal stag of ten--ft to be the antlered monarch of the kings deer in Longwood.
 Three leaps and then the beautiful animal stood still; but as he turned, panting, and lowered his horns it could be seen that he wounded The feather of an arrow in his flank told how deeply the shaft driven.
 He was at bay now and splendid was his courage as he stood to battle with his pursuers.
 Out through the leafy barrier of the bushes at the edge of the glade bounded three eager deerhounds. after another.
 Loud voices and the thud of galloping hoofs told that ahe hunters were close at hand; but they were too late in arriving. The foremost hound dashed nercey on his white teeth showing, and his eyes flashing with green light but the ten-tined antlers passed under him and were lifted swiftly.
 Away the hound was hurled, pierced fatally, and then sudden sidestroke disabled the second of the four-footed assailans. The third paused, lifting fore foot doubtfuy he glanced from one to the other of his unucky companions. whizzing shaft passed his head. and elothyard arrow sped to it's mark inside the shoulder of the deer The spread ing antlers plowed the sod for moment and then all was over. tall powerfullooking man, who came riding up, sprang from his horse, and stood by the wounded dogs, exclaiming;
 These short-legged galoways have cost us two houndsl We had better stalk a deer than run him. unless we have swifter steeds
 Stalking must serve turn, now the dogs are gone growled shorter who had come up and now stood beside him T would the legs of our nags had been longer!'
 They were rough-looking men, and they spoke in the blurred Saxon English of Warwci1shire five hun dred years ago It was another tongue rom any now spoken in England
 Others had now up, but they said little They lifted their game to the of of the gaoways The arrows were carefully extracted, cleaned and re- stored the quivers of their owners The men were all salwar fellows, and the bows they carried were tremendous weapons. Besides the bows, they car ried short two-edged swords hanging at their belts, in which also stuck broad-baded knives or dag gers They wore armor except light headpieces of steel and their garments appeared to be made or leather
 The carcass of the stag had been bound to one of inc horses and the hunters were mounting when a loud shout came from under the nearest oaks
 "rIo there! Halti What do ye, killing the Kings deer?"
 Stand for your lives men!" exclaimed Guy the Bow "I' not be takenl"
 "Nor T." roared bury hunter at his side, put its young Neville of Wartmont. could not strike him."
 Only five men came riding out from under the treesl but they all we'll mounted. and were bet ter armed than the hunters. Every man of them wore linked mail with shield and lance and sword,  Their helmets open in front and the face of the foremost rider was that of beardless boy It was very resolute face however and he raised his hand as he again demanded:
 .'In the Kings name, what do ye?"
 An arrow was on every bowstrng at that moment but Guy the Bow spoke again
 "Thou art a boy Richard Neville" he said. q had yery thought to go and thee this day. Knowest thou not that Clod of Lee the Club of Devon, has sbeen heard from his side the Avon? He was one of Mortimer's men, and he hateth thee and thine. He is wolf's head by all law He and his outlaws would find at Wartmont much that such they would seek Go in haste and hold thy tower against them, If thou canst, and bother not thyself with Tree hunt and nag-load of venison.
 Not a dozen swordsmen are at tho Mount! e1- claimed Richard My mother is unprotected! Guy the Bow, thank thee~for thy warning. What care for few deer? Only, watch thou and thy mem for the to put this part of the shire under close forest law None may escape if work like this go on then.
 There was a great stir in the village. three miles away for man riding at full speed from one of the farm houses shouting loudly as he passed the old palisades:
 ssTo the hill! To the castle. The wolves of Devon are nigh! They have wasted Black Toms place, and have slain every soull'
 At that moment there came terrified shriek.
 "They come! They come!" screamed the women.
 
 with us the day! Ton is the Club, and his meh are many!"
 Partly mounted but of them on foot wild looking throng of came pouring across stubbe- field from the southward It seemed if they might be over a hundred strong At the head of them strode huge, blackhaired, shaggy-bearded brute who bore tremendous club of oak, bound at its heavier end with thick ring of iron. He laughed and shouted as he came. if with savage pleasure over the wild deeds he had done and the prospect before him.
 "short work!" he roared to those behind him