The Randall County news. (Canyon City, Tex.) 1908-1926, 1910-02-11
HER TALL REBEL,
By MARIA D. EUEEY.

passing on top OF a motor bus would
recognize at once as having been left
among modern buildings from a past
age. 1t is called the Staple inn. and
here DR.. Johnson wrote his 'Idler."
One morning after the battle of Cul-
loden. which ended She rebellion in
Scotland led by the pretender. three
Scotchmen who had been captured in
arms against the king were being con
Quoted past the Staple inn to the
Tower. A block stopped he sad cor
tege. One Of the prisoners, Mac
Dougal was very tall man, over
looking his fellows. and withal singu-
larry handsome. \ lady looking from
the window of the inn called out TO
him:
You tall rebel, you will soon be
shorter by head"
MacDougal turned a pair Of large,
sad eyes upon her and asked defer.
entially:
Does that give you pleasure, mad
amg
1T does"
Then. Misunderstanding of his hat
and making a low bowl do not die
in vain
The way having been cleared. the
procession passed on. and the lady
withdrew from the window.
MacDougaI, soon after arriving at
the Tower, was about to be led out
20 execution when the lieutenant re-
ceived an order for a stay. Several
days passed. the prisoner expecting
death all the while, when the door Of
his cell was opened. and the lady who
had spoken to him from Staple inn
entered. He looked at her In astonish-
ment.
I'VE have met before" said the
lady.
Il remember you well, madam. But
am at loss as TO the cause Of this |
visit. for shall soon be headless. and |
a headless man cannot serve a lady"
Nevertheless your height will be
improved"
And would you prefer me short.
ened?"
Il would. You are too tall"
you seem interested In cutting me
down"
81 am interested in you"
''As Herodias was interested in John
the Baptist"
Your head, l admit, has recently
seriously concerned me-"
hot
TO give 1t to you. can leave 1t to you
by will, but | do not think the courts
would regard the bequest Of rebel"
Doubtless there is some fair maid
who would prize your heart"
If its possession would give you
too could l bestow it upon you"
Il would not deprive another OF n
coveted possession"
There is none other who would
prize it. But pray tell me to what
may l attribute the honor Of thi-
risitT'
a desire 10 see more Of so good
a gentleman"
u rejoice that my manners please
you. madam. and regret that my ,,
leigh; does not"
But you will be shortened"
My life WI not be lengthened."
You will not die iravain."
True; shall have THE consolation
# giving you pleasure" !
Say. rather, the pleasure OF etring
ne pleasure. Ny pleasure IS yours
s it not?"
will you not show your apprecia- =
ion Of my devotion by leaving me to
Prepare for an end which may come al
my moment| =
is my presence obnoxious to you:' 1
''At any other time 1t would be a
pleasure TO ne"
But you wish 10 be alone" !
Only on account Of the nearness Of |
Ieath"
viii nothing ruffle your politeness~ c
Nothing will affect my appreciation u
or so charming woman
why did you rebel against King
GEORGE"
u believed Scotland would be bene- I
tied by Charles Edward i
THE king is a good man" Il
Doubtless"
She handed him a slip Of paper. He Il
an his eye over it. II read 0
Let Lady - have access to her tall q
ebel and be hanged 10 her. Y
GEORGE r q
Something like faint smile dawned b
lpon the lips Of the prisoner. His 8
be said. is very good to NE t
0 permit you 10 visit me-" b
''He has been more kind 70 you than
hat" c
Drawing a piece Of parchment from -
Ter corsage, she handed 1t to him. II
vas pardon. beautifully engrossed
within a decorative border. MacDou-
.al looked up at bis visitor for a mo- b
nent rhen sprang toward her and D
lung his arms about her. Under cover 2
Il heartless banter she had been talk b
ng the language Of love. He had not a
Interpreted her correctly. but now he S
understood She suffered-no. returned 7
the embrace. y