Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1913-04-19

tNt tVbNE eNVts WIZ uuu VhC
attempt at career on the highway.
being prescribed by Cromwells gov
eminent went 10 France. where he
found Prince Charles. who secured
him commission In the French army.
one evening there was n ball IN
progress in the manor house OF Don
aid Maclvor. lie had protted by
Cromwell's success and was disposed
10 win over rs many OF his neighbors
10 the new regime AS possible. The
fcte he gave on this occasion was
with this end In view. Among the
guests was a young man who was not
known and had not been invited 10
the ball. lint amid so great a throng
The presence OF the stranger was not
noticed. Presently he approached the
oldest daughter OF the house and said:
Il must ask you 10 pardon my In.
trtSion here. for have not been IN
vitcd | have returned 10 Scotland
after several years absence on being
advised OF my older brothers death
My father. Sir Malcolm Douglas. who
lived beyond the Grampian mountains.
died two years ago. and my brother
died recently. am therefore Sir Wal.
ter Douglas
"And why" asked the lady. whose
cheek palcd at the sound OF his voice
and whose bosom was heaving. did
Won not obtain an invitation. which |
am sure my father would have She
paused and the young man replied TO
her question before she had finished:
because am prescribed royalist.'
Placing her hand on his arm. she led
him 70 u window seat where they
would not he noticed They were
scarcely seated before he clasped a
bracelet about her wrist.
Go away from here" she said I'M
der her breath My father may no.
tice that you are n stranger and in
quirc who you are Should he rccog-
nize you by your voice. as have done.
your life will pay the penalty OF your
rashness
MY life Is worth little 10 me. nor
has II been OF value 10 me since the
night | saw your face lighted by Il
coach lamp. for | have been IN exile
But recently have inherited the es-
tate which my father saved By re-
naming neutral in our troubles. Yet.
besides my loyalty TO our rightful SOW.
ereign. there is but one act in my life
TO keep me from enjoying my heritage.
an act of highway robbery ! have re-.
turned the booty taken on that occa.
sion. aud | crave your forgiveness.
81, is granted I:ut my father-he
will never forgive you"
There is chance lie may not
recognize me us the highwayman
Should he not there Is no reason why
should not make myself known as n
Scotch laird recently come into an es-
tate. for the war has for some time
past been over. and there are. nm.
ders,and. to be no more prosecutions
for loyalty to the king.
But in the event of my father rec
ognizing you us the highwayman |
would not give farthing for your
life He has often spoken OF that
episode and vowed that should you
make good your words 10 return my
bracelet he would see you hanged high
as Iaman Keep it," she added. tax
ing II OF II would not dare wear IT."
AS u kccpSake?'
ayes
IL am resolved" said the young man
after pause. ito take the one chance
that dcprives me OF being openly your
guest | am going to make myself
known 10 your father II he does not
recognize my voice my troubles may
be nj an end. and-l may be with
you"
She pleaded with him not to take the
risk. but In vain. When she found II
impossible 10 dissuade him she put her
arm within his and led him 10 her IA
Their and said.
Father. this is Sir Walter Douglas
OF northern Scotland He has recent.
~ returned from abroad and. finding
himself near Us tonight. has made bold
TO come unbdden TO join our festivi-
ties"
The host looked nj Douglas inquiring-
~. Despite his siding with Round
heads he had a Bri,on's respect for
rank.
"Yon are welcome. Sir Walter" he
said Il trust You are one of us"
meaning supporter OF the parliament
MY father said the young man.
clearing his throat while speaking to
disguise his voice. took neither side
Now there is but one side 10 take"
The speaker glanced at the girl.
fearing that she would betray him by
her emotion rather than that he would
be recognized by his voice. Forth.
nately her father was looking Mt Doug
las and did not see her efforts 10 re-
press t. HIT NJ this noncommlttal re-
ply Maclvot turned away 10 his dn-
ties MS host. Ills daughter gave long
drawn sigh Of relief and led her guest
10 another part Of the house After
another Interview behind window cur
taIns he left her with her assurance