The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-12-12

was And this knowledge he, after
few minutes, communicated to Griffith.
The pilot was none other than John Paul
Jones, who had been to shore to prepare
the way for one of those landing expedi-
lions for which his name became famous
In history and terrible to the British.
There was a hunting party at castle
near the coast, which party was to be
attended by many of the British nobility.
To capture a few lords of repute and
hold them as hostages. or for exchange,
was the idea of Commodore Jones. The
frigate and the schooner had been sent
upon the dangerous coast to take him off
and to furnish him with men for any ac-
tive operation on shore which he might
decide to make.
Every inch of the coast was known to
John Paul Jones, and through his ability
as pilot the frigate and schooner were
safely got Off into deep water. escaping
destruction in the storm. Then, quietly,
the ships had sailed back again In the
night. Their return to the coast brought
1t about that the conversation of Colonel
interrupted by sergeant who came to
inform them that three men, clad in sea-
faring costume. had been arrested as they
were passing through the Abbey grounds.
Some wandering Sailors" cried the
captain. who was just then upon his
third bottle. secure them, sergeant and
will examine them later. BY the way,
so1o ~ haa for
some time a guest in your house and
never have yet been introduced to the
ladies who form a part of the house.
hold. Shall we not take our coffee In tho
cloisters?" The cloisters to which the
Captain referred had once been occupied
by the nuns Of st. Ruth, but were now
inhabited by the coloners wards and
Alice Dunscombe. The Colonel, with his
old-fashioned politeness. sent at once a
servant to announce to the ladies that
Captain Burroughcliffe and himself would
shortly wait upon them in their with
drawing room. When the Colonel and
the Captain entered the room q brisk
fire Of wood was burning on the ample
hearth and aiding its light to that of two
dlesticlzs. Kneelins upon the floor was
Katherine Plowden arranging divers
pieces Of colored silk--the signals which
she had eontrived and tho key of which
she had given to Griffith.
Cecilia Howard, clad in virgin white.
couch. Her tresses, which rivaled In hue
and gloss Of the raven, had burst from
their confinement and. dropping over her
shoulders, fell on her dress In rich pro-
fusion. A small hand, which seemed to
blush at its own naked beauties. support
ed her head and, embedded In the vol
umes of her hair, seemed like the fairest
alabaster set in ebony. The features Of
the young lady were of the sort most
difficult to describe, being neither reg
ular nor perfect in their several parts,
but all harmonizing 30 as to form face
which fascinated the beholder. II solicit
your pardon. young ladies' said the Col
onel as he entered the room, "but trust
the presence of an old man will not be
unwelcome, even in the Withdrawing room
Of his wards-and, young ladies', here Is
our defender, Captain Borroughclife- land
Kit. also-your kinsman, Kit" Captain
Burroughcliffe cast looks OF admiration
at Miss Howard and remarked 1t was only
the necessity of attending to some of his
military duties which could possibly
cause him to cut short an Interview
which would always remain with him as
bright spot In a life not too full OF
brightness-in short, he must examine
some men who had been captured while
passing through the grounds and who.
possibly, might have some connection
| with the American ships which had been
seen of tho coast, but which probably
| had foundered IN the recent gale.
At once all three Of the ladies became