The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1913-08-26
Copyright. 1912. b. (Continnsd.S

CHAPTER v.
 Wherein the Duke Is Marked In Fare-
 well.
 EA UT one thing strikes me as
 worthy to be chronicled before
 k9 we embarked When all was
 ready and everything aboard, I went back to Master F1cklin's in Tanstock. which was an easy days Journey from Plymouth sound, where the Rose of Devon lay, to fetch my iady and her maid. Master Ficklin's house was Q somewhat large one and was surrounded by a walled garden, perhaps two acres in extent, which ran back from the house to a little brook which bounded the village.
 Master Ficlzlfn was at his office, al- though It was yet early in the morn ing when I called, intending to fetch my lady to Plymouth by coach, a spe- cial coach which I had engaged, by the way His sister said that Mis- fress WiIberforce was in the garden and that she had company She of fered to show me to her presence, but l said I knew the w3y and could go there myself I did not like the word company oyermuch since her fine friends had more or less forgotten her. I passed through the hall, out of the back door and into the garden. stood a moment. hesitating. wondering whether after all I had the right or the privilege to break in upon such company as she might be entertaining, when a scream which came faintly from the end of the garden decided me. I broke Into a run and in a few moments came upon my lady strug glfng in the arms of a man. What man, you ask? The Duke of ArcesterI He had his arms around her, and al thought he was no great shakes of a man, he was much stronger. than the slight girl he was grappling with. He held her tightly by the waist with one hand and with the other was trying to turn her head so that he could kiss her.
 was upon them before they realized my arrival. I grasped the duke by the collar of his coat with my, left hand and with nay right fairly tore him away from ny lady.
 Thank God, you have comer' she cried, reeling and staggering, her face flushed. her hair disheveled, her dress in disarray-
 I heard that much and then the duke was upon me. Gritting his teeth and swearing frightfuI oaths he got to his
 
 ged out his sword and rushed at me.
 You dogp' he cried You have baked me before and you interfere now I have had enough of you and the world has,
 He did not intend to give me any chance to defend myself apparently. My little mistress screamed heard her call my name and I suppose she thought I was done for, but sailors are proverbially quick witted, footed and handed, and I was not the least alert of seamen. I was wearing a hanger, a heavier weapon than the dukes. dress sword, but its weight was a matter of no moment tosa4 arm like mine I stepped aside as he lunged at me, drew 1t, and the next moment our blades clashed in earnest.
 Now, I am 9 good fighter and no mean fencer- | can cross blades with any one on earth. My swift play must have looked to the duke as if I were surrounded by a wall of steel. There fore he realized at once that his only chance lay in the energy and rapidity of his fence. Lunge succeeded lunge with lightning-like speed. I will ad- init that I was hard put to it for a time It was with the greatest diff hculty that parried, but my lord was not built for the continuance of such violent exercise. Sweat came into his eyes, his thrusts grew less swift, if not less vicious, in their intent. After a few moments l saw that I had him. It was now my turn to attack Some thing of the fury of my Saxon ances- tors suddenly filled my veins. beat down his defense by a series of terrific blows and finally shivered his sword He stood before me panting, weapon less, yet, to give him his due, more OF ses= u2daunted. raised my own blade
 'FWould you strike a defenseIess man?" he cried haughti1y, still not blanching-
 +'You had no scrupIe in attacking a defenseless woman,'' replied. Nay I thundered as he made a sudden mo- ton, stand where you are. What I shall do to you depends upon what I hear. If you move I swear to you that I will beat you down like the dog that you are.'
 was amazed afterward al my teIner- ity in thus addressing a duke, but you will understand my feelings. Without taking my eyes off of him next ad- dressed myself to my lady.
 "Win you tell me now, Mistress Lucy" said I softly, what this man RurPosed or said? ?.z=1 can see what be