The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-02-28


MS champion do. He ran away as soon
as the lists were opened and a fierce
citizen of Perth, a mechanic, took his
place for a piece of gold and on condi-
tion that he be maintained for life by
the King. He fought furtously and was
one of the very few (some chronicles say
the only one) who emerged alive from
the savage massacre.
The murder of David, duke of Roth
say Crown Prince of Scotland, in his
castle of Falkland by his uncle. is his
tory also. King Robert III was quite
impotent as ruler. His real name was
John but it was changed TO Robert. Thus
It happens that both the King and his
brother bore the name Robert. The Duke
of Rothsay's character in history Is that
of a licentious villain and Scott has been
rather kind to him than otherwise.
OATHERINE, the daughter Of Simon
the Glover. had no rivals to the
- title which all the people of Perth.
citizens and mobiles alike, had given to
her-the Fair Maid of Perth. It was town
gossip-though gossip that was uttered
furtively in ell-grounded fear of dirk or
dungeon-that even the heir of the throne,
David, Duke of Rothsay, was in love
with her.
Beauty IN that rough age often was as
fatal 10 the possessor as to those who
sighed unavailingly for love of it, but
Catherine Glover was cast in a different
mold. Her blue eyes shone no encourage
ment on the daring gallants who pressed
TO her side impudently on the street, de-
spite the known quiel1ness of the impetu-
-, ba
magnifcence of court costumes nor the
glamour of arms had the least quality to
attract her.
So simple and gentle was she that
she would not even accept the love of
the one man for whom she felt a strong
admiration-Harry Cow, or Smith, as he
was called more commonly, the famous
armorer of Perth. He had all that at
tracts women His craft brought him
money in abundance. Young, good-hu-
rnored and brave, his form satisfactory
to the eye, his extraordinary strength re-
nowned in all Scotland, his bearded face
so resolute and purposeful that it more
than compensated for any lack of mere
beauty. Harry of the Wynd did not need
10 sign dl lllb tdoEAilflAl u CellAtl AtA0 OG-
cause Of lack of encouragement in other
quarters.
But there was none for him except the
Fair Maid of Perth, and wrathily did
stout old Simon plead with his daughter
TO put away her foolish prejudice against
fighting and war and accept the brave
smith whom he esteemed as a son.
Harry ruefully admitted to Simon that
GATHERINGS objections to him were based
on grounds that he could not well gain
say. Look you, Father Simon" said he
in lame excuse. "he would be a bad
armorer that could not with his own blow
make proof of his own workmanship. If
I did not sometimes cleave a helmet or
strike a swords point through a harness,
I should not know what strength to give
them and might jingle together such
smiths. Why. though I think 1t shame
to quarrel with a brother craftsman, I
had to prove my words to such a one for
the fair honor of Perth only few days
ago, and he might as well have worn pa
per on his bosom, for all that his armor
stopped of my stroke. And there was
an Englishman besides, who met me on
my journey hither, who forced a quar-
rel on me Oh the old question of suprem-
acy. had to smite him for his fault
Nor could I we'll avoid a debate that a
scotchman in the Torwood began on
workmanship, which is something that
belongs to my trade too nearly to justi-
fly my avoidance OF 1t. Yet did I show
my love of peace, for the lad lost only
two fingers when he might as readily
have lost his life. Indeed, 1 even con-
tented myself with drubbing a Highland
man who affronted me rather than to
draw blood with weapons"
THAT is well, oh man of peace" said
the glover, laughing. Thou art. indeed
the most peaceful lad in Perth to meet
with so few quarrels on one Journey"
The smith bit his lip, and glanced shy
ly at Catherine.
"Alas, Catherine" said he, "I fear me
that you esteem me but a common sword
or and stabber. Yet, so save me st.
john when I strike downright blow
for the honor of town or land, such as
q man 20 III latin.
He spoke so simply and so evidently
believed himself to be most peaceable in
disposition that Catherine smiled and an
swered less seriously and firmly than was
her usual habit toward him. The smith,
eager to press his advantage, began to
pirate of his desire for a quiet life, when
unluckily his impetuous tongue uttered
derisive remark about the Highlanders.
On the instant Conaoher, Glovers ap-
prentice, was at him and drove at his
neck with dirk. Sudden as the onslaught
was, the powerful smith was so quick
that he struck up the assailing hand and
escaped with a scratch. An iron grip was
around<the apprentice at once. Then the
smith cast him off CONTEMPORARY.
"Alasl' said he, looking at Catherine,
who was pale and ready to swoon, IT
might have guessed I should have my old
luck and bring strife and bloodshed even
here"
agreed with the armorer, and he hung
his head after she left the roorn, nor
could the efforts of Simon Glover com
fort him.
Empty fiagon, son Henry" said he,
"and forget the foolish offense of that
young wildcat, who, I pray is fleeing by
now back to his savage Highland hills
Many a good skin has he spoiled, for he
was better fitted to steal cattle than to
turn them into gloves. I deal for skins