Evening star., 1914-12-27


and amusement whether there was left in him after
all some fear and mistrust suspicion of me, know
not; but he drew himself up stly in his seat and says
he coldy but civilly "Sir, thank you; but there is
no need for to incommode you. l see your horse
is fresher than mine, being lighter loaded. Pass on
beg, and we will give you goodday'
"As you will, said lightly and pushed on the mare
indiferenty though there thought in my mind
that was not done with the adventure. Yet what mat
tered it that couple of children should go forth in
to the night and the darkness and then fall by the wav
NOV there in that Forest of Hoylake, as l re-
membered, little gorge that went down 'twxt two
hills; and there had been challenged and attacked
by gang of dirty foopads that urked there for unpro
teced Travellers and had put them to rout. So when
was come so far as this reined n and pulled into the
shadows of the thcket which deep and heavy
Presently heard the sound of hoofs jog tro and
upon. that the sound of voice singing 1t was open
starlight in front of me, so that could make out all
that passed Sure enough twas my pair of innocents
singing bravey to keep their spirits up, and jogging
lightly down the hill. l let them go and followed
for if there any bad place in Hoylake twas here
had judged arght for out of the twlt dusk ahead of
streamed next noise, voices and cries. and the re-
port of a pistol.
@Ts Black Mikes gang" said to myself, and put
Calypso to canter.
came up with them in a brief time and there was
the couple still ahorse, the youth struggling with tall
fellow side, while the girl fought with another
made pause and said word but my slug took the
tall fellow that was Black Mike himself as believe
in the shoulder and he turned with an oath. With my
bodkin slit hole in tothers ribs, and he clapped
hand to his side and began to illuminate. Then of a
sudden someone says:
otis RYDER" and both cullies took to their heels
stumbling and staggering the dark way along of
their wounds.
@Damme!" says looking after them, II half in
the mind to follow ye, and squelch ye like feas.'
But did not; for there were the twins by me-
needing and attention BOTH
3Sr says the youth painting loud from his struggle
II owe you deep debt and apology. l know you
for honorable gentleman and brave one. l ask
your pardon that at first mistrusted you yonder.'
3Young sir" said l. 4as you live longer you will find
life is full of blunders. Say more. l am glad to
have been of service"
At that up spoke the lady. 4My brother and
thank you, Sir" in very pretty voice.
aWe" said l. a will take thanks if we will take ad
vice; which is that you ride in company with me-
Black night is far away, and the wood maybe is
nest of wasps."
at will be privilege, Sir, says the youth gravey
and at that went
YOU find yourself benighted' said I. 4Do you jour
ney far?" for this riddle ticked me- and was for
finding an answer to it.
@Why only to London Sir" he answered.
@Faith,' says l, @you far from London still, and
I'll warrant you must look for refuge tonight
Maybe l can serve you there.
He thanked me- and spoke Of the night and its beauty
But, damme! nights the another Twas
night and no more. And then said l:
@He travels i'll that travels by night in these times
These nighthawks fly and pounce. No doubt you have
money and jewels upon you"
1--WE have ten guineas, Sir says Miss from behind
God bless her innocence! thought 1; but answered
solemnly He's my witness 4'Tis fearful response
bility is ten guineas.'
And so with some silences we passed out of Hoyake