The Irish standard., 1909-06-19

l VIII not deny that know your sus.
ptcions and whence they spring In
deed, 1t was the gentleman's natural
conclusion. l was pressed to carry
my mission. Sure I have been worse
accompanied than by . tobyman. But
as for my name, your lordship has
given me no answer. Call me Ryder.
l am for the prince"
He heard me out, and twas the
little touch Of braggadocio think
converted him as much as anything.
What do you propose?" he asked, In
another tone.
Il would ride back tonight" said,
unless your lordship decide that l
must lodge in Jail"
"As to that" he exclaimed, "Mr.
Ryder, fear that we must lodge you
there in the meantime. What hour
would you start?"
THE sooner the BETTER" said I.
But nine will serve"
He regarded me with an urgent face
of inquiry. This may be a trap"
he said, suspiciously.
Your lordship may guard against
that" said l, suavely. LAS large an
escort of horse as you will, and none
to know our destination, save us two"
NAY, none save yourself. Mr.. Ryder,
1t appears" he said grimly. But
you say we'll. / will be with you at
nine"
A little later, and you might see me
settled in the compter, hugging my
self the one minute. and the next per-
picked upon further step; for by
what I saw Of Jetfreys. reckoned
upon my punctual deliverance Tho
fact Is that he was afeared of what
would issue from his promised trouble
of the Dutchman, and twas reported
that such was the state of those about
the court, who we're in the mind to
play two parts, and neither with any
stomach.
you have not Informed me, Mr..
Ryder" says he, ito what destination
we are bound?"
Now, this was pretty much to the
point, for Bloody Jeffreys was not the
Ale]AA W VuSlO uoCICSo "Olu5y uui,
Lord love you, had as much notion
as whittier we were set for as he
had himself Twas for chance was
playing. and now that had my two
legs across Calypso once more, it
would go hardly with the whole half
dozen Of EN- II did not show clear
pair Of heels somewhere and some.
time. But of course I had thought
upon the question in my prison, and
says I: you will understand, your
lordship, that it's not in my authority
to commit anything to words. am
bound by the princes orders"
well, WELL" he cried with impa-
tience, II suppose that I am to arrive
somewhere"
And where that somewhere is your
lordship shall learn" said I, with the
permission and from the lips Of his
gracious majesty King William"
He started at the words and eyed
me askance for space, a dubious ex-
preston OF irresolution crossing his
features. you are a bold man, Mr..
Ryder" he exclaimed, with something
OF q sneer. Il may remind you that
there surround you five stalwart men.
alarms that own allegiance to his
majesty James H."
And you would have added, my
lord" said l, that James Stuart's
trusted servant is conversing with me.
am sensible Of the peril in which l
stand. But am no Facing-both-ways
l hold my conscience, T. faith"
He said nothing, angrily consider
ing me-
Now all this time we were getting
farther into the rude country
parts Of the shire. and more than
once I had turned the party upon q
by-way, so that by this we were come
out by the devil knows where.
What is this?" asked Jeffreys, in
surprise.
This lis the place. my lord" said I,
In q whisper. IF you will march
with me a little in the fore of these
men, I will instruct you further as We
ride up"
Idhe H. BIZ, ne sdlO az once,
that the prince lies here?'
THAT is SO, my lord" said I, though,
to say sooth, was all the time won
dering what the devil might lie at
tho end of this long passage, and what
should be my next turn in the game.
my lord, I will prepare your way.
Keep ye here. and you shall be
fetched presently
He stared at me suspiciously and In
some bewilderment; but ere he could
say anything the door swung gently
back. With a spring was across the
threshold-and click goes the lock be.
hind me in the very face Of the aston
ished janitor. But he fell a-trem.
bling
who are you?" he said while the
light he carried shook in his hands.
HUSH" says l, warningly; make
no noise. Your lives hang on it.
There is pack Of dirty cut-throats
on my heels" says.
"Oh. Lord" he groaned, and retired
hurriedly from the door. followed
L =