Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1909-10-07

ayers to the small wharf beneath
the cliff OF the Rose Croft. and In 3
moment all were ashore, except 3
single mariner who was left to guard
the boat.
"Peacel" whispered Cocklescraft
"pease with that rafting OF pixies
Form under the bank and remain
quite until ascend and examine the
place."
The leader now crept, with noise.
less footstep, up the pathway which
terminated upon the plain In front
OF the dwelling. He walked across
the lawn, byathe very spot where,
scarce fortnight gone by, he bad
had his hostile interview with AL
bert Verheyden. The little rustic
temple Of 81. Therese yet stood, with
Its faded foliage, upon the grass
plot: the Aower.stands were still
there, although the plants were.re.
moved to their shelter from the frost:
nothing met the. eye OF the foul-pur-
posed rover but the images OF con-
tent and innocence which marked
the abode Of happy family: even
the house dog, who at firstigrowled
as with show OF battle, changed his
threat into greeting as the Skipper
profered his hand and claimed &C.
quaintance. The tokens OF confid-
ing security were ell around him,
and as he recalled the last time be
had visited this place, and remember
ed the incidents OF the festival OF St.
Therse-the maiden's coldness, her
fathers disdain, and the Secretary q
favor, he laughed with the thought
OF the mastery he now held over the
fate Of the household. He could
scarcely withdraw himself from the
luxury OF his present ruminatiou,
but wandered to and fro Ia front 10
dwelling. then made 0 circuit O.
round 10, and, returning again to the
front, stood beneath the window
through which the feebleltaper shone
with that steady but suddued ray
which OF itself was o symbol OF the
deep repose OF the tenant OF the
chamber.
II could wake thee, lady gay, =
he said, with as blithe q serenade
as ever tuned thy dream to pleasant
measures but that ! ackthe instru.
ment. And though / be mot the
cavalier Of thy fancy, Blanche War
den, pretty rose ofSt. Mary 3, yet,
by my soul, love thee we'll enough
TO put myself TO some pains ID teach
thee how thou shalt love me. We
dance together on the green wave
to morrow. lassi--little as you dream
Of such merriment now. And as /
would not have thy bushes seer,
! must cen lead thee forth before
day."
With this sally, he returned to
his comrades, and commanded them
TO ascend the bank. Three men
were detached around the house TO
keep q lookout, and the other eight,
following Cocklescraft himself, sp.
preaching the hall door.
What, hol Fire, thieves, rob-
bersi" shouted Cocklescraft, aided,
in rising o clamor, by his men, OF
the same time striking loudly with
the butt OF pike against the door.
Rouse ye. rouse, ye, or you will
have house about you earsl Fire,
Master Warden, thieves, rovers,
and savagesl"
A scream was FIRST heard 10 the
chamber from the window OF which
the light had been seen--and Cock
lescraft, putting his hand to his ear,
laughed as he recognized the voice
OF the maiden.
by our lady," he said-''our
gentle mistress sings WE'LL"
In the next instant window was
thrown open on the opposite side Of
the house, and the figure OF Anthony
Warden, 10 his night gown, with o
candle 10 his hand, was partially
thrust out, whilst he exclaimed;
What Is this pother2 Who comes
at this hour TO alarm the family2
Who are ye, | say, that seek TO dis.
turb the rest Of my household with
your villainous shoutings?"
Answer him, Roche" whisper
cd Cocklescraft; II dare NOT"
open yours doors, Collector, :"
said Roche; I'VE have business
With you"
Get you hence, drunken knavesl"
returned Mr.. Warden II will call
my servants and drive you of the
ground"
by my hand, II you do not open
your doors, Master Warden" said
Cocklescrsft, finding that he could
not trust the conduct OF the assault
to his mate, I'VE will break them
open and quickly"
who are you that speak SO sau-
cily2" demanded the Collector.
Richard Cocklescraft--an old
friend, Master Anthony, who being
about to put 10 sea, would make his
last visit 10 the officer OF the port.
Throw wide yonrs doors and let us
In, old man, or IL may be the worse
for thy gray hairs.
"Ho, Michael Mossbank, Nicho.
las, Tomkinl" shouted Mr.. Warden.
as he withdrew his head from the
window; up, get up-bring my
blunderbus-we are beset-stir
yourselves, my trusty fellowsl"
The house was now lighted In
various parts, and every one was on
foot. Blanche, at the first summons,
sprang from her bed, and ran to her
sister Alice. screaming Ia o parox-
ysm of alarm; but whilst the In
vaders parleyed with her father,
she had sufficiently resumed her
self.possession 10 make hasty toll
let, and then 10 repair 20 the protec-
ton OF Mr.. Wsrden's presence.
The old man, not coolly--for be was
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