Year: 1860

!
BILE prayer that he might not be thought TO
desecrate the sacred volume by applying it to
g purpose of concealment for his fathers sake,
he placed upon its open pages the letter which
formed the only contents of the packet, after
having first torn away and concealed unobserv-
ed, the envelope, and then resumed his mono
tonous pacing upon aud down the court


Gideon observed his comrades seeming de-
Votion, and appearing determined to outrival
him in excess Of zeal, applied himself more sed,
ulously than ever to his book


4our friends are on the alert-a lugger
lies off the coast ready for your escape" said
Gerald in low tone to the old cavalier, as he
passed as near to him in his walk as discre
tion would permit


Such was the sense of the commencement
of the communication. The old man made
gentle inclination of his head, to show that he
understood him without raising it from be-
tween his hands. The young soldier looked
at Gideon Gideon had shifted his legs, aud
perched himself in an attitude bearing more
direct resemblance to that of reposiug crane
than ever Gerald again cast his eyes upon
his open book


"All is prepared for tonight" he continued
to mutter, as be again slowly passed the seat
of the prisoner. Have the bars of your win
dow been cut by the file already conveyed to
you ~


The old man again bowed bis head with an
affirmative movement.


AS Gerald turned once more, Go-to.bed
GOdamb was noddng his.head over his book,
as if in very enthusiastic approval of its con-
tents, but unfortunately with so much energy
that be jerked it up again into an upright
posture, and Immediately began staring straight
before him with great vehemence.


Gerald bit bis lips with yexaton, and con
tinued his walk. His eyes were seemingly
employed upon the page before him


" A boat will be brought without noise un-
der the walls at twelve this night" continued
the anxious son, repassing his father where he
sat. " You must descend from your window
by your bedclOthes"


Gerald resumed his walk Gideoa was wink
ing and blinking with much energy


" The only difficulty is to elude the vigilance
of the sentinel who shall have the mi9nigt
acatcb," muttered Gerald, as he again came
back past the prisoner.


The old man raised bis head and looked at
him anxiously.


Gideon was again nodding, but with lesser
degree of enthusiasm, as Gerald turned himself
that way. The young man quickened his step
and was soon once more by his fathers side


Every means that lie in mypower shall be
employed to favor your escape" whispered
Gerald, with much emotion


The prisoner gave him an inqu;ring glance
aS if to ask his meaning. Gerald looked round
-Godlamb was snoring, after the fashion of
a well-kno~u farm yard auimal--not the one
whose name he bore


God grant," continued the young man in
much agitation, that the lot fall to me to be
the sentry on that watch-then all were well!'


And who thus interest yourself so warmly
in my fate ?"


Gerald could no longer command his feel
ings lie flung himself at the old mans feet.


Father !" he exclaimed in smothered ac-
cents, give me thy blessing


Your father !" cried the old cavalier
you my son you Gerald Clynton No-no
Gerald Lyle, | shall have said. Tell me
not So"


=" am your sou Gerald-G GeraId Clynton-
Oh, call me by that name y exclaimed the
kneeling young man in choked voice for the
tears were starting into his eyes.


Thou art no son of mine. know the not
Leave me "said Lord Clynton, springing from
his seat in bitter anger.


Go,to- bed Godlamb stirred uneasily upon
his post. Gerald rose quickly from his knees,
trembling with agitation for, in spite of the
violence Of his emotion, he had sufficient pl e.
sence of mind to look cautiously round at his
sleeping comrade Gideon's eyes were still
closed over his book, in that profound mystery
of devotion which was one Of his most remark
able traits


My father /" cried Gerald imporingIy to
thu old man, who now stood looking towards
him with a harsh and stubborn expression of
countenance, although the workings of emotion
were family perceptible in the lncaments of
his face


Lord Cynton waved him impatiently away,
and turned aside his head


" Oh, repuSe me not, my father y cried
Gerald with imploring looks. "Why am |
still the prescribed son of your affections p
What have | done, to be thus driven from
all wrong-to pay so cruel penalty for my
unhappy birth ?"


"Allude not to your mother |" exclaimed
the old man paSsionately. Defile not her
memory even by thought, base boy Were
Sne living sIllI, she also WOpid refuse 10 acknOW-
ledge her degenerate son."


Great God what have done to merit
this Z" said the unhappy son, forgetting, in the
agitation of his mind, the strict principles of
of the Puritanical party, which forbade as sim
ful this adjuration of the Deity-"I thought
to save you, my father from your cruel situa
tion-I thought to aid your flight"


Say rather" said the excited cavalier,
giving way to his hot, unreasonable temper,t
trample on the prisoner the scoff at him, and
triumph over him-to deliver him up to his
enemies. What have l else to expect from
the degenerate rebel to the religion OF his faith
ers, his country and his king. Go, boy-go