Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1913-05-02
CHAPTER XVIII.

CHAPTER XVIII.
THE DEAREST TREASURE.
Somewhere about the time hat Prue
was leaving Seven Oaks, Robin Free
accompanied by two friends and
followe by the faithful Steve, rode /
out of h stately gates Of q country
mansion a few miles beyond St. Mary's
Cray.
At q short distance they left the
highroad and~plunged into q deep and
narrow lane. showing few signs Of use
n leading into others as neglected
were wide enough the three rode
abreast, with heads bent together in
earnest conference. Papers were hand |
ed to Robin which he concealed about
his person. and last instructions re-
lively, but without enthusiasm.
You think l am sure Of finding a
boat at Hailing. Percival?" he inquired,
when h others became silent.
We shall avoid Hailing and seek
the ferry a mile or SO above replied
the younger Of his companions. 1.-The
ferry Is little used; indeed. I do not
know how there cOmes to be one at all,
for the road is unfreQuented and II
know OF no h%abitation but the little inn
boats for hire-buiit possibly by the
ferryman himself. The tide serves about
. O'Clock and with a favorable wind
we should be below Rochester by moon
rise. No one will be looking for you
on the Midway: captain. n before
morning. you will DO safely past Sheer
ness and. l hope. on board the Petite
Vterge. while the spies Of the govern
ment are keeping strict watch for you
between London bridge and Graves
end.
9! would give 10 year. Of my life."
said Robin. moody. for one more day
in England
Your life is not your own to give,
Captain de Cliffe." said the third man,
who. even IN this solitude, kept his
completely to conceal his face. "It be-
longs to King James, and should you be
arrested with these documents upon
you. hundreds of lives, besides your
own, may pay for the mfschance."
Il do not need to b. reminded Of
Robin proudly.
Il know At well."i returned the other
Practically. and when you return with
the king. in triumphlmay it be soon
Ills Majesty will know how to re-
ward you."
Aye, that he WILL" muttered Steve,
who was close enough to catch some
of the conversation. In which he was
greatly interested. Virtue is it's own
reward is the motto Of h Stuarts!"
= All H. S0kA
oner Is to send me back as fast as
horse and ship can carry me- cried
Robin. Even now
Even now. captain Steve broke in,
you are lucky in getting away alive.
head and the laws protection-save the
mark!-wil be withdrawn in a few
hours. After that your life is forfeit
wherever the flag Of England flies"
MY life! When a 1t not been
fnvfoit ~ rnt,,WvaS n@INn @--~V---V.
But your grace can be at ease: 1 nave
given my word to carry these letters
safely to Paris and 1 will do so. God
sparing me-
Enough I should never have
thought OF doubling you, had not mine
own eyes seen you at the masquerade
with a certain fair sorceress whos
spells are far more dangerous than
sword or bullet. Right glad am 1 tina
fate drives you from her before we
lose Of our most valued captains
in h same snare that has entangled
the feet of all heroes. ancient and
modern. Let US lose no time, for the
in swift fight"
And with malicious laughter. in
which h other man heartily Joined.
he put spurs to his horse and urged
the calvacade to such speed as the
heavy ground would permit.
In spite of their haste. the sun was
sinking behind the mists that rose from
the river, before they saw its simmer
through the trees. The road upon
which they emerged from the bride
path o a sharp-turn at this spot and
passed close to q little ma mere
peasants cottage. for all the announce
tertainment for man and beast, and
further information, as to h hire and
sale OF boats at the adjacent ferry.
60 forward, Steve. and see wha