The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1913-02-13

marsh grass. howard TINS monument
of mans conquest-most prominent
object in a prospect, dreary and mo-
notonous-rode, late one afternoon, a
band of horsemen. At their head gal
loped my lord, the Marquis; in the
center could be seen a 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; a look of inquiry or calculation
in the black undaunted eyes.
What prison are you taking me to
now?" once he asked the trooper who
held the reins of his horse. And why
do you go in this direction? Is it you
dare not ride along main highways on
account of the people?"
"Never you mind" came the gruff
answer. And as for the people,
they'd better look OUT"
BAIL" laughed the prisoner. You
can put some of them in cells, but not
ALL"
There may be something worse
than a cell waiting for you!" was the
malicious retort.
"No 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 consign him
to, and then themselves return to the
Mount. Still was the meoting-place an
odd one, and the d2me2nor Of the two
bodies of men not entirely consistent
with his conclusions; for, as they
drew nearer, both parties slackened
their pace, suspiciously to scrutinize
each other.
Twenty-Five number agreed upon!"
muttered the Marquis, and squirting on
fast, led his troops nearer the cross.
Not many PAGES distant the word
was given to halt, and, as they obeyed,
on the other side of the monument the
strange men likewise drew rein. At
the same moment, there flashed on the
captive's mind q discovery. These
faces, looking so grimly out over the
marshy field at them, were not the
wooden Yisages of paid soldiers, but of
men he knew-his men! Across the
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
"a woman, or a girl-the Governors
daughter!
The bold black eyes of the prisoner
regarded her fixedly. 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 f1ared high. The
young man turned; following the di-
rection Of her gaze, looked at the Mar
quis; my lords features radiated fe-
licitations; his eyes shone with vel
come. And a 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 hand-"but, from your looks,
/ the Governor looks Ill to the welfare
Of his lodgers!"
~Ahu AAHA VIC nv "a pun III ldusy
/ spoke up another gazing after the
party of the Marquis. he would have
looked yet worse to the welfare OF one
of them, no doubt"
Drink this, Seigneur;" cried a
third; you must drink this-a spe
cial bottle we brought for the ucca-
sion!"
! Sent by old Pierre when he heard
we were coming for you!" added the
poet. Your drinking-cup, lads! I'm
fasten the skin for yourselves! To
mon capitaine!"-
Once. twice, deeply they drunk
/ toast and vintage alike to their taste;
/ then Strengthening, looked at the Black
/ Seigneur whose eyes yet burned in the
! direction my lady had gone. With a
start he seemed to recall himself to
! the demands Of the moment; his first
I questions they expected; the ship
where did she lie? Snug and trim in
neighboring cove, ready to slip out,
/ If occasion required and danger
/ pressed-which contingency they did
not just then expect, since at the
| moment was his Excellency more con.
cerned with affairs on the land than