St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1908-06-20

long horseman's cloak about him. He
was man below the middle height
and OF spare and active figure. His
expression was resolute and his eyes
OF 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
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 superstitious
age and he came of a superstitious
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 whereon 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
light cleaned on pick as it rose, and
the clicking sound came again to his
ears. It was digging a grave pain
full and slowly. Presently it 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
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 will be blithe
to do so,'' said Mr.. O'Halloran. He
looked down at her with satisfaction.
She was indeed fine woman, though
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 a 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, 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-
Ioran.
Il perceive you are an Irishman,"
sneered the tall man.
AN I perceive that We ARE an Inn
pertinent scoundrel," returned Mr..
O'Halloran.
Il do not desire to brawl with you,
my good fellow. Let it suffice you
that have an explanation for what
am about"
"An explanation, have ye?" cried
Mr.. O'Halloran in vast Indignation.
Then let me tell ye that amongst
Irish gentlemen the striking iv a lady
admits no explanation. Sor, ye lack
gentility. If I had the time I would
tache We manners with cane"
What are your" said the tall man.
"Jacobite fugitive, cutthroat, or an
Irish bogtrotter on journey? Pray
give me so much Of your confidence"
Il hold captains commission" re-
piled Mr.. O'Hailoran with becoming
dignity, though In what ARMY 1t is
not precisely convanient fr me to
mention. Does that content ye?"
Il am at your SERVICE" said the
other.
"May heaven aid you," murmured
the lady.
Mr.. O'Halloran slipped off his cloak,
drew his sword and stepped forward
with lean activity.
The tall man was no match for
O'Halloran and before long prick in
the shoulder made him drop his sword
with an oath.
again, again!" screamed the
woman.
Mr.. O'Halloran paid her no atten-
ton, but stepped back, lowering his
point.
Madam" said he, 81 have found
this gentleman very brave and ILL
giant fighter. To be thruthful with We,
l would know more iv this business"
"Then will bid you goodnight,
sir" she said coldly. II can find my
way to the coach"
Il must ask We, with due submits
sion, to remain where We ar-re," re-
piled Mr.. O'Halloran. Eat least until
such time as have inquired further
Nv this gentleman"
The tall man was seated on the
ground, nursing his arm, his back
propped against the gallows. He re-
garded them curiously.
my name is York;" he said. "Col.
Francis Yorke. You may have heard
it?"
1T was tolerably familiar after
Fontenoy," laughed the Irishman.
Am old man with grown sons about
him married again." said the colonel.
Heavens, sir, does not the devils OPP
portunity lie in old mems follies? He