The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-02-28
TIE FAIR rfAID or PERTH

| In most of Scott's novels. the important episodes are based on fact. Thus. there really was battle by champions before two Highland clans. There were thirty on each side. and one champion fled, overcome by sudden terror. He did not not nee a as the % end of the e. fight, hoy ,S He ran away as soon as the lists were opened, and fierce citizen of Perth. Q mechanic. took his Hlac.j for a piece of tained for life by the King, He fought 1urtously, and was one of the very few . (some chronicles say the only .one) who smerge9 alive from the savage massa
 The murder of David, Duke of Roth ray, Grown Prince of Scotland. In hts sassie Of Falkiand H;n by his HneIs !. hiss his 1mpotent as ruler. His real name was John, but 1t was changed to Rob. ert. Thus 1t happens that both the Robert. The Duke of Rothsay's char, acter in history Is that of Q licentious william. and Scott has been rather kind to him than otherwise.
 Catherine. the daughter of Simon the Glover. had no rivals to the title which all the people of Perth. citizens and nohles alike. had given to her-the' Fair Maid of Perth. It was town gos- sip-though gossip that was uttered
 
 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 to the possessor as to those who si khed unavailingly for love of 1t: but Catherine Glover was cast in a dit- -ferent mold. Her blue eyes shone no encouragement on the daring gallants who pressed to her side impudently on the street. despite the known quick ness of the impetuous burghers to re- sent insult. Neither the magnificencs of court costumes nor the glamour ot arms had the least quality to attract her.
 So simple and so gentle was sn. that she would not even accept the love of the one man for whom she felt a strong admfration-Harry Cow. or Smith. as he was called more common ly, the famous armorer of Perth. He had all that attracts women. His craft brought him money in abundance. Young. good-humored and brave. his form satisfactory to the eye. his extra ordinary strength renowned in all Scot land, his bearded face so resolute and purposeful that 1t more than compen- sated for any lack of mere beauty. liar; ry of the Wynd did not need to sigh at the easement of Catherine because of lack of encouragement in oths~ 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 pre- 1udice against fighting and war and ac. sept the brave smith whom he esteemed As a son.
 Harry ruefully admitted to Simon that Catherine's objections to him were based on grounds that he codld not well gainsay. Look you, Father Si- mon." said he in lame excuse. "he would be a bad armorer that could not with his own blow make proof of his Own workmamship. If did not some- Hines cleave a helmet or strike swords point through a harness. should not know what strength to give them and might jingle together such paste e-board work as do the Edinburgh smith. Why though I think 1t shame to quarrel. with brother craftsman, had to prove my words to such one for the fair honor of Perth only few days ago. and he might as well have worn paper on his bosom. for all that his armor stopped of my stroke. And shere was an Englishman besides, N no met me on my journey hfther. who forced a quarrel on me on the old Ques- tion of supremacy. I had to smite him for his fault. Nor could well avoid a debate that Scotchman in the Tor
 
 bs something that belongs to my trade too nearly to justify my avoidance of it. 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. even contented myself with drubbing a Highlandman who affronted me rather than to draw biood 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 quarreis on one journey.
 The smith bit his lip. and glanced vhyly at Catherine.
 "Alas. Catherine" said he. T fear me that you esteem me but common sworder and stabber. Yet, so save me St, John! when I strike downright Alow 1t Is not to do any man injury put only for the honor of town or land such as & man must do In faith
 He spoke so simply and so evidently believed himself to be most peaceable in disposition that Catherine smiled and answered less seriously and firmly than was her usual habit toward him. The smith, eager to press his advantage, be- xan to prate of his desire for a quiet life. when unluckily his impetuous tongue uttered derisive remark about the Highlanders.
 On the instant Conachar, Glover's ap- prentice, was at him and drove at his neck with a dirk. Sudden as the on- slauzht 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 on con- kemptuously.
 "Alasw said he, looking at Catherine, who was pale and ready to swoon. T might have guessed I should have my old luck and bring strife and blood shed even here"
 Catherine showed too plainly that she agreed with the armorer. and he hung his head after she left the room, nor could the efforts of Simon Glover com fort him. Es
 Empty a hagon, son Henry" said he. land forget the foolish, offense of that young wildcat, who, T pray Is fleeing by now back to his savage Highland hills whence he came In an evil hour for me. Many good skin has he spoiled, for he was better fitted to steal cattle than to turn them Into gloves, deal for skins with the ferocious elan of which his father Is chief, and know not whet strange reason caused him to apprentice his son to my trade. since these ragged caterans despise all hon. est work"
 The glover eagerly pressed ale on the smith and encouraged him till the arm orar promised that he would be at Catherines lattice window at dawn that he might have the privilege of be- ing her valentine for the year; that be- ing the custom then on the morning of EatH Wal na