Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1917-03-21
Stearn. { Mccormick

arm. "See that she is very cOmforta-
BILE. She might have a second cup of
your good coffee
He swung into his saddle, refined his
horse about, turned and bowed formal
ly to his late vis-a-vis. who still re-
manned seated at the table. Then he
was off at such speed as left Arcturus
no more cause to fret impatiently at
his bride rein.
The young Virginian had well nigh
made his way out over the two miles or
so Of sheltered roadway when he heard
hoofbeats on ahead and slackened his
own speed. He saw two horsemen ap-
preaching. both well mounted. coming
on at handsome gait.
OF these one was stout and elderly
man of no special shape at all, who sat
his horse with small grace, his ford
face redder for his exercise, his cheeks
mottled with good living and hard rid
ing. He was clad in scrupulous riding
costume and seemed, indeed, person
of some Importance. The badge of
some order or society showed on his
breast, and his entire air-intent as he
was upon his present business of keep
ing company with skilled horseman
marked him as one accustomed to at
tention from others. "A servant in the
costume Of an English groom rode at a
short distance behind him. ..
The second man was lighter, straight
and trim Of figure, with an erectness
and exactness of carriage which mark
ed him as soldier at some part of his
life.
He was clad with extreme neat
ness, we'll booted also, and sat his
mount with the nonchalance of the
trained horseman. His own garb and
face showed not the slightest proof that
he had been riding hard.
In fact, he seemed one whom no con-
dition or circumstance could deprive Of
cool immaculateness He was man
to be marked in any company, especial
ly so by the peculiar brilliance of his
full dark eye, which had piercing,
searching CLINT of its own. an eye such
as few men have owned and under
whose spell man or woman might east
ly melt to acquiescence with the own
er's mind.
He sat his horse with certain
haughtiness as well as carelessness.
His chin seemed long and firm. ard
his lofty forehead indeed, his whole
air and carriage-discovere him the
man of ambition that he really was
For this was no other than Aaron Eurr
vice president of the United States
whose name was soon to be on the lips
of all. He had lately come to Wash.
ington with the Jefferson adminiStra
ton.
This gentleman now refined up his
horse as he caught sight OF the young
man approaching His older colnpan.
ion also halted. Burr raised his hat
in salute.
"Ah, Captain Lewis" he said in
voice of extraordinary sweetness, yet
Of power. you also have caught the
secret Of this climate. eh? You ride
in the early morning do not won.
der. You are Virginian and so know
the heats Of Washington. fancy you
recognize Mr.. Merry" he, added, his
glance turning from one rider to the
other.
The young Virginian bowed to both
gentlemen.
81 have persuaded his excellency the
minister from Great Britain to ride
with us on one Of our Washington
mornings. He has been good enough
to say-to say that he enjoys it!'
Burr turned quick glance upon the
heavier figure at his side, with half
smile Of badinage on his own face.
Lewis bowed again. formally, and An
thony Merry answered with equal po-
likeness and ceremony.
"Yes," said the envoy. Ito be sure,
recall the young man. l met him in
the anteroom at the presidents house."
Meriwether Lewis cast him quick
glance. but made no answer. He knew
we'll enough the sighting estimate in
which everything at Washington was
held by this minister accredited to our
government Also he knew. as he
might have said. something about the
diplomats visit at the executive man
sion. for thus far the minister from
Great Britain to Washington had not
been able to see the president of the
United States.
And you are done your ride?" said
Burr quickly. for his was keen nose
to scent any complication. Tell me"
he lifted his own reins now to pro-
ceed-"you saw nothing Of my daugh-
ter. Mrs. Aston? We missed her at
the house and have feared her abduc-
ton by some bold young Virginian.
eh?"
His keen eye rested fairly on the
face Of the younger man as he spoke.
The latter felt the challenge under the
halt. mocking words.