Evening star., 1924-04-17
Mistress Wilding
By Rafael Sabafini
Author of "Searamouche" Captain Blood"
Copyright, by miu Company

BY Rafael Sabafini

cited and dust-stained from head to
foot.
He had arrived that very instant,
and. urged by the fearful news that
brought him, he had come resolved
to pluck wilding from the altar, be
the ceremony done or not. But in that
he reckoned without Mr.. Wilding-
for he should have known him better
than to have hoped to succeed. He
stepped forward now and gripped
him with his dusty glove by the
sleeve of his shimmering BRIDE
groom's coat. His voice came harsh
with excitement and smoldering rage.
"A word with you, Anthony"
MIR. Wilding turned placidly to re-
gard him. What now" he asked.
his brides hand retained in the crook
of his elbow.
"Treachery" snapped Trenchard in
a whisper. Hell and damnation.
Mr.. Wilding turned to Lord Ger
vase and begged Of him to. take
charge of Mistress Wilding. II de-
plore this intsrruption," he told her,
But / shall rejoin you soon. Mean
while, his lordship will do the honors
for me-" This last he said with his
eyes moving to Lady Horton and her
Lord Gervase, in some surprise. but
overruled by his cousins calm. took
the bride on his arm and led her from
the churchyard to the waiting car
riage. To this he handed her. and
mounting himself. they drove away,
leaving Wilding and Trenchard
among the tombstones. whittier the
m essenger Of evil had meanwhile led
his friend; Trenchard raped out
"Shenke." said he. who was riding
from Lyme with letters for you from
the duke, was robbed Of his dis
patches late last night a mile or so
this side Taunton"
"Highwaymen? inquired Mr.. Wild
ing, his tone calm. though his glance
had hardened
''Highwaymen? No. Government
agents belize. There were two of
from himself~and they met him at
the Hare and Hounds at Taunton,
where he stayed to sup last night.
Ono Of them gave him the password,
and he conceived him to be friend.
But afterwards, growing suspicious,
They followed him, 1t appears, and on
the road they overlook and fell upon
him; they knocked him from his
horse. possessed themselves of the
contents Of his wallet and left him
Mr.. WildinE drew a sharp breath.
His wits worked quickly. He was, he
realized, in deadly peril. One thought
he gave to Ruth. If the worst came
joice in her freedom. The reflection
cut him through like a sword. He
would be loath to die until he had
taught her to regret him. Then his
mind returned to what Trenchard had
told him.
You said government agent, he
mused slowly. How would a govern
ment agent know the password.
ut Trensehard,s s mouth fell open open. 7 had
from inside" -, -,s,
Wilding nodded. 'It must be one
Of those who met at White Lacking
ton three nights ago." he answered.
Idiers-the witnesses Of the we'd
terest from the path, and others from
over the low wall OF the churchyard,
as well they might, for Mr.. Wi1ding's
behavior was. for a bridegroom, ex-
traordinary. Trenchard did not relish
we had best away" said he. I'm
deed" he added, I'VE had best out of
England altogether before the hue
an;a.. ana cry is raised. The bubbles
Wiiding's hand fell on his arm, and
It's grasp was steady. Wilding's eyes
met his, and their gaze was calm.
Where have you bestowed this
mCSScnScr. QuOIn ne.
He is here in Bridgwater, in bed.
at the Bell Inn, whence he sent for
you to Zoyland Chase. Suspecting
trouble, ! rode to him at once myself"
Come, them" said wilding. "WeIl
go talk with him. This matter needs
probing ere we decide on fight. You
do not seem to have sought to dis
| cover who were the thieves, nor other
matters that 1t may be OF use to
know" =
RAT mel" swore Trenchard. ct was
in haste to bring yon news Of it. Be
sides, there were other things to talk
of. There Is news that Albemarle has
gone to Exeter, and that Sir Edward
Phelps and Col Luttrell have been
Mr.. Wilding stared at him with sud-
den dismay. -.
'Odso!" he exclaimed. 'Is King
James taking fright at last?" Then
he shrugged his shoulders and
laughed. "Pshaw" he cried They
are starting at shadow"
Heaven send" prayed Trenchard.
that the shadow docs not prove to