The Washington herald., 1913-03-09

Moya Grimston, worn out by the rig
ors of the night. realized the condition
of his prisoner. and nlled with compass
sion for him he approached.
| "Mr. ODonneli. II you will give M
your word not to try to escape. I'll re
lease you for the present from youi
bonds and simply place you here undel
guard
Gerald readily assented and one OF the
soldiers took the cords from his arm!
| and allowed him to sit down near thu
| tree. Mayo took her place at his side
Thank you, major" said Gerald
MAY I ask what the next proceeding
10 to be?''
Your execution" came the brutal re-
tort from Burke, who had entered un
alarm and flung her arms around Ger
AIDS neck.
Don't mind. darling" cried Gerald
That's only Burke's idea of joke. II
i he tried to say something pleasant he'd
choke" Addressing himself to Grim
ston, he continued: "Am ! not entitled
to the formality OF a trial. maJor?
Burke sneered. 1T will be a formality,
without a doubt Major. We will call
the court at once. Let us lose no time"
The major bowed and entered the house.
asked to speak with her.
There are but few minutes to talk
and this Is a matter Of life and death" /"
Moya came forward as he fairly his sed
to her: "Once more ask you to marry
me. II ye do I will see that O'Donnell
goes free. on condition that he leaves
the country" Gerald sprang to his feet
and would have rushed at Burke. but
two of the soldiers crossed their muskets
haPora he ali hac
''Moya. If you yield to him for love Of
me-" he cried, I'll plead guilty before
the court martial and they will have to
condemn me-" Burke laughed in a dia-
bolical manner.
There's another fact worth mention
Ing" he cried. 'Tf you're desirous of
remaining in Ballymara Castle. the only
way you can do 1t is by becoming Mrs
Brian Burke. for have the power in
my hands to get 1t confiscated for your
treason" Moya turned on him angrily.
You know that Is false" she cried.
We have a charter from King Charles
that gives our family unalienable rights
to this estate. and I'll defy you or any
one else to take It away from US"
You may be called upon to produce
that charter" sneered Burke. You
know well that nobody has ever seen II.
although We have all heard of It for
years"
NO matter what happens to me. I
Will never lower myself to marry you,"
she said. and the large blue eyes flashed
with defiance.
Burke regarded her with hatred for
minute. and then snarled out: so. you
refused then to save the life of your
sweetheart
"If I We're only her sweetheart, she
might sacrifice herself; but I am mora
-
said Gerald. who could hardly keep his
temper within bounds. Burke staggered
back as though he had been struck with
bullet.
II don't believe it," he hissed. You
would lie 10 protect her"
None of them had observed the en-
trance OF Father OkeIly, who had over
heard the conversation between the three.
The old priest had no love for Brian
Burke, an official of the English govern
ment, who had been the means OF SNUFF
ing out the lives of many gallant fel-
lows and subjecting many more to the
infamous tortures of the pitchcap. His
at Burke's proposal to Lady
Moya, whom he had watched over from
childhood with all the tenderness Of a
almost was intense and he came
forward with fire in his eye.
Perhaps you will take my word for
IL, ne
What the devil has this to do with
your demanded Burke.
II happen TO be the priest who mar
ried them"
"When?'
THE night before last, in the kitchen !
OF Riordan's Inn." replied the priest.
Yes" laughed Gerald. while You |
and your redcoats were securing the !
beach for me j was being comfortable /
united in matrimony to the Rose of
Muttering n curse Burke rushed into |
the house. There was a sense of re-
lief over all when he left, though they |
realized that he was a bitter enemy and |
while he controlled the court-martial
there was little chance Of any clemency
being shown the prisoner. Shortly after
ward, a sergeant called Gerald into the
court, and Lady Moya, at her own re-
luest, was allowed to accompany him.
The servants gathered around the door
waiting for news. though all seemed
20 realize that any news coming from
hat room would be bad news, indeed.
Father O'Kelly walked UP and down.
silently breathing a prayer. Suddenly
here was a small uproar and Terry