Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-06-14
bv FREDERIC 8. ISMAM i
ILLUSTRATIONS By TSAT WAh7=RS
CHAPTER Xxx.
a Sound Altar.
AUThOR Of TIT STROLLEFs UhDfR TIL RO

About midway in the curve Of one OF
the numerous bays. marking the coast
line, and several hours distant from
the Mount, stands stone cross erect
ed by an English marauder to indicate
the place Of his landing. The symbol
is visible on all sides from afar, for
before it are the sands and the sea-
and behind stretches the land barren
Of wood-low, level, covered only with
marsh grass. Toward this monument
of mans conquest-most prominent
object in a prospect, dreary and mo-
notonous-rode, late one afternoon, a
band Of horsemen. At their mead gal
Hoped my lord, the Marquis; in the
center could be seen man with
bound arms whose horse was led by
one of the others. This persona pris-
oner, thin, haggard, yet still muscular
Of frame-from time to time gazed
about: look Of inquiry or calculation
in the black undaunted eyes
What prison are you taking NE to
now" once he asked the trooper who
held the reins of his horse. "And why
do you go in this direction? Is il you
dare not ride along main highways on
account of the people,"
Never you mind" came the sruf
answer. And as for the people,
they'd better look OUT"
"Bah!" laughed the prisoner. You
can put some of them in cells, but not
ALL"
There may be something worse
than cell waiting for you!" was the
malicious retort.
mo doubt" said the other stoically.
But as his eyes again swept the no.
rizon, from the opposite direction ap-
peared another band of riders. At
first the prisoner, regarding them,
looked puzzled; then as the new-com-
ers rode straight and rapidly on to-
ward the cross. his countenance eX-
pressed a faint understanding. A
fresh relay of men, he concluded: one
his present guard would consisn him
70. and then themselves return 10 the
Mount. Still was the meeting-place an
odd one, and the demeanor OF the two
bodies of men not entirely consistent
with his conclusions; for, as they
drew nearer, both parties s!ackenec
their pace, suspclously to scrutinize
each other.
twenty-five number agreed upon!'
muttered the Marquis, and squirting Oh
fast, led his troops nearer the cross.
Not many PAGES distant the word
was given to halt, and. as they obeyed,
ion the other side Of the monument the
strange men likewise drew rein. Al
the same moment, there flashed on the
captives mind discovery. These
faces, looking so grimly out over the
marshy field at them, were not the
wooden visages OF paid soldiers, but OF
men, he knew-his men! Across tho
space separating the two parties he
could read their quick looks-their
satisfaction-their complacency! He
watched them with eyes in which
pride and tenderness mingled. And
then, for the first time, did he observe
they had brought some one with them
Ia woman, or a girl-the Governors
daughter:
The bold black eyes Of the prisoner
regarded her fxedly. What did it
mean? said his keen gaze. Colorless
as marble. my lady held herself very
erect on her horse; then while his
glance yet probed her, the proud face
slowly changed; on the cold cheek
youths bright banner flared high. The
young man turned; following the di-
Tection Of her gaze, looked at the Mar
quis; my lords features radiated fe-
licitations; his Dyes shone with vel
COME And fuller understanding
came over the prisoner: in some mys-
FERROUS manner had the Lady Elise
been made captive. and now had the
nobleman come to escort his betrothed
back to the palace.
Even as the Black Seigneur reached
this conclusion, he became cognizant
his bonds had been loosened; the reins
placed in his hands. You are free
said voice and mechanically he rode
toward his comrades.
Thus, near the crumbling and time
worn cross, was the exchange of pris-
oners effected; the girl whirled away
by my lord. who seemed fearful OF
treachery. and the Black Seigneur left
to the greeting Of his men.
Now, by the tuneful Nine"-the
poet, Gabriel Gabarie, pushing. his bur
ly form to the front. was the first to
extend a hand-"but. from your looks.
the Governor looks i'll to the welfare
of bis lodgers!"
And had We not captured my lady,
spoke up, another. gazing after the
party Of the Marquis, he would have
looked ct worse to the welfare Of one
OF them. no doubt"
Drink this, Seigneur; cried q
third; you must drink this-a spe'
cial bottle we brought for the occa'
sion!"
Sent by old Pierre when he heard
We were coming for you!" added the
tIvo,, -, lei Tn.