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10 THE BURLINGTON FREE PRESS: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22. WO I. 1 Q)er Ceoyrffht. 1303. by Frederick. St. Stole J Co. chattei: xiv. INb o'clock of a summer's morn ing In riinil I-higlund Is mi hour nf deiigM If the weather In- fl". 1 lit- birds -dug whoth- t; Hi in . lic war or pence In the land;! . unit .i"d;:erows ntil (lie flow- i i I- 1.: i n:a;e ii pith to fairyland of the j i !'- v, li.ties, imt tin' ninn who trusts; t ' if A. tiding thnroilirhfuros, tiuloss1 ' l;iu.'. she i tiut;-y II. U like to' .i bbiin-if n un euihnlltol inure, and Ar-iistr-cni.., i tiiinji Ills horse nt an intcrst. -t:iii'Iii:tr In his stirrups tin' belter , icw the landscape, wr'n Ul '1 liis l.'.iw in perplexity. The sound of galloping lmof boats to 11. e rear caused lilm to sink Into Ills taJIio one-e more ami wait patiently until lie was overtaken. As his out look hail shown lilm tlio woods sur- i out" iiiiu too mnmion lie had left an hour before in nn entirely unexpected j direction and nt a distance not nt all proportionate to the time he had spent 1 xm horseback, tho thought occurred to j Mm that bis late detainers bad cluing- ! d their minds t ciui l-tli n-r Ids liberation I 11 nil were pursuing him, but he was fortified by the knowledge that ho pos K'ssrj a permit written by Cromwell's: own baud, which no one In that part of , Kngl.ind would dare to disregard. If I tho oucomer should prove to be a pri vate marauder, of which tho country I doubtless had many, the horcniiin r-- posed a calm coiilldenco in his own ' libido that pave sufllcienl re-pose to his manlier, lie turned his horse across tbe lane, completely barring the way, end with knuckle-, resting on his hip 11 waited whatever nutlet ensue. The hastening ruler came round a corner, curbing ids aiilnial down to a walk on soe'ing tlio path blocked. The iwo horses neighed a greeting to each other. Armstrong was pleased to note that the stranger was a youth witJi a face as frank and beaming as the day. u face to which his friendly heart went out at once with sympathy, for It seemed glorillod by the morning light. us if be were a loer sure of a warm ' greeting from his las. which was in- I deed the hope that animated the boy. 1 Arrhing as near the impeding horse man as he seemed to think safe, he came to a stand and with 11 salutation of the band made Inquiry. "1 io you stop mo, sir?" Tills question carried neither chal lenge nor imputation, for, the times lic it. c troubled, no man could be certain t it he met a friend on the highway in til some declaration was forthcom ing. "Only so far as to bog of you some ii l ition of the enigma of these roads. I am desirous of traveling southward Mid seek a main highway, which I am IT!" eollsl.V pUZXii'd to lllld." The other laughed cheerily. 1 ' Vim could not hac chanced on a l.i-'t'r guide, for I was brought up s iice miles from this- spot, although at t' c moment I im myself on a southern I I urney. We turn here to the right, I but we have far to go before we reach , the highway." "The more lucky am 1, then, that you overtaken me. 'Twould need a vti'cid to unravel this tangled skein t f green passages." Indeed." cried the youth, with a lijj.isonie l.iugh. "I've often lost my r.ili In Uicr entanglements, and, what inori 1. I lost my heart as 11 " Tl en find tin11 - 1 Plm.iiJi J' . -losing. I 11:1 lost my w n well in 11 : 'bin,' you have not lost. ,e You nn; Just young li im:is. use ..s the latter 'd'T tnan yon and have ! (ii re now us j on may . -. but I Ii.im' kept my my heart whole " head "le r . "'Tin no V"iy. w,! imply 1 ,' mot ti e nod li' ' A' zc at . Che ro of ui . 1 1 . ng to bo :r of e - ib 1 vm. st " said the I cm e "It !..ie let yet Wh.'ii you .0 .is J.IVIC n 'rid von at u t .1 glimpse I 1 III' lie I I ttelniv I 1 l:.rtl"i.f tow 1 nl 1 1 , I "Tow Sll-lilH t HI if' 1 1 I. .', ri- cr! ,; ,p h. then, V hum rnn, 1"H I' '11 ll 1 nV- ' fi Oxiord?" "Yes. I hi'.vi. bren expecting a frlptul to 1 omo with me, but he is delayed, 1 suspict, 111 Carlisle, so 1 must got on as best I can without him." "I travel to Manchester," said Arm strong, more noncommittal ihan the other appeared to he. "Then I shall be happy to bear you company If it so pleases you until we come to the parting of our wnys that Is, If you nre not In haste and can wait tuitll I bnve a word with my lass, In whose direction we are now tending, fcho is tho most winsome little lady in all the countryside, the only daughter of Iird Kudby, who Is" - "Iiid Iludby:" echoed Armstrong. "You fly hish. my youug sir." "Wi.y should I not? Although she In tint sweetest angel that over visited this glml earth, she makes 110 descent when she Joins her hand to mine. I urn 'llioiium Wmitworlh, eldest son to the lale Karl of Slra.'ford." 'J'l i had b"'ii traveling l.i.ee to knee a tb" li.irrort way, but Armstrong pulled up mhI lool'.ed at his companion In umn. vmciit. "Im you mean the minister to tin Uli.g of KnglandV" "Yes. Ther" w.is no other." "Then you nre perhaps about to visit Chnrles nt Oxford?" "Ah, I lui vo already told you more thtui was wb'o 0.1 so shut nn acquaint-iiitr-," wiM Wentworth, ti.vlng another Hack. "You rouvficlf gave mo ,1 lesson in reticence a moment since, nnd you lime id Icon 110 garrulous concrniii;; yntoAcif rs 1 I o no' even know you1' ci"ii ' ' I 1 Will n Anisfong, and Scollnnii my country As two .word vn letter tl"! one 1 (.'mill be the "By ... li.GHE'RT 23A 'R"R, Author of "Jennie 7ia,ricr, Jtourrali.tt," Etc. limit itl.nl to travel in your company. 1 may say, however, that I hold a pass from Cromwell li!m?"ll'. 10 II yon arc n Uhi-t v man you uiny not wish to bo my rompnnlon." "I un inys-lf abroail through Crom well's peror i-ion." answered Wont worth .ii'ttnil'y, "nnd I'll venture my pass Is, b'-o.'.der as well as longer than yours. "Jin sometimes well lo have 11 friend In the enemy's camp, and my friend pretends he can Ret anything from Old Null. Uoml It, If you thlnl: I'm boasting." Wontworth handed the document to t!u Soot, who read and returned It. "Mine Is nut a limited permit com pared with this. Whore do you c::peet to enoounlor your comrade?" "I ferr there Is little ehancp of pee ing him until I reach Oxford. If indeed 1 tind him there. I suspect he Is de tained at Carlisle. However, I travel 011 n,-v 'mi-liters and be on his, 30 it iiuiKcs little (lilleretice to me save the lack of companionship." "Von go to Oxford alone then?" "Part of the way with you, I hope. Yes; I'm tired of waiting and so set nut alone this morning, deviating from the main load and taking these lanes, the better to approach Kudby Hall without undue publio'iy." "I see." mi id Armstrong thoughtful ly. Then, a he fell Into a meditation, there was silence between them for some time. The theme of Ids retlectlon was the accomplishment of the (ask which lay before lilm. Here seemed a heaven , nt opportunity to win peace fully to oxfoid ami perhaps to return ns far north as ('mlNle. Armstrong remembered that luck had oft 11 stood his friend, and the presi nt eiicounler looked like niioth'T iii'-tiilice of It, so be iv-ohed to jo'ir ney with Wentwotth as l.ir 01,1,1 cs M.'in:liester, there lo be gimlet by . ir cun.siiuici.s I p to that point he 11 ed ask lor no f.ivor. for he bail his own pe.i.ilt to lean upon. If the lad proved a true coinpanion be might then ven ture to propose Dial they ebonM. 1 ci p logi liier un ler pioteciiou ot tne puss lor tw o. "lo yr.u move on to Oxford at once when you l..no seen this ynung lady'.'" asl."d Arinstroiig, bieakiug silence at 1-ist. "Yes, and a 1. willing to 1 ,de a-; haid as you like i; you ale ptessld toi t.ine.'' "eh. I'm in no hurry. He's a churl who would not wait while ,1 lover and his lasu whisp r. .1, and I sl.all do aught that I can to forwntd your ad venture If there is any obstacle." "I than!, you, but there is like to be no obstacle at this time of the day. I hope to have ihu good fortune to llnd her walking in the garik'n. Tills would simplify my quest." "Ale you forbirtden the house, then?" "In a measure 1 am. I have my ene mies within Hie walls, but my good friends also. If 1 get a word wlih one of the latter, diltloi'tles wl dis solve." Here (he youth reined In his horse and sat for a moment anxiously benn ulng the landscape. A belt of lull trceu bordered the lane, with thick under growth that seemed Impenetrable to sighl or nioreir.cnt. Over the lops of the bushes and between the trunks of Ihe trees Armstrong gathered glimpses of 11 large mansion In the distHiice, ex tensive gioiips of chimneys being the most noticeable feature. Nearer wan seen 11 carpel nf green lawn, and be yond, the dappled glitter of the min llgiil on a lake. "Will you hold my horse?" nsked tjie youth, almost In a whisper. "I must recoiinolter." Aniiiitrong sat sdlctft, occasionally leaning over to utrnkn the neck of tho bleod he held In tether. Ho loved nil animals, especially horses, and they reciprocated his affection. Suddenly the silence was shattered by n cry hoarse with rage. "I linvo been watching your ap proach, perjured scoundrel! You shall ilnt escape me this time " ' Kir, sir, I be.eech you," enmo tlio entreating tones of Wentworth, "I can not bear nruis naalnst you, Listen but :;lff:5 J fife "WKI.I. I'lr.itCHl)," UK Ml'TTKltKI). a moment, Mr." . "Draw, you dog, ot die tlio dentil of one." ' "Sir, I Implore you; I cannot draw j with yon opposed, Sir, let me any a I word - Oh!" 1 There was one clash of steel, then a ! brief cry of pain, nnd now silence I nirtln, nil so qulrkly accomplished that first word and last were uttered In tho ' time during which Armstrong leaped from saddle to earth, lie searched hurriedly for the leafy tunnel through which Wontworth had passed, but be fore ho found It the lad stngfiered Into sight again, his left hand grasping his breast, his right dragging the sword, his face pale as chalk. "He has killed nie!" he gasped. "Nonsense: Von would not now bo 011 your feet If the wound were mortal. Who Is your iissailatllV" "No matter for that. Help me home.'' "I shall first give the rogue n tuste of bis own surgery," cried Armstrong, drawing his blade. Hut the other restrained his nrdor, leaning b Mivlly upon him. "It Is her father. On not leave me; I faint. lf-I-if 1-1 cannot direct yon, take me down the lane, the highroad. My homo-the hom,o to the right." The victim collapsed In a heap on the award, reddening the grass witii Ids blood. A rni'.troni.' was t.o stranger to ihe rough art of the leech. He undid the doublet and flung It open; toie away the wabucoat nnd shirt, disclosing an ebbing gash. "Well pierced," he muitered. "An inch lo the right would have done tli job. The poor chap parried, but not enough; tht onslaught was too fierce nnd sudden. The old man's intention was good, but the deilection marred the thrust." He i-tan -bed the wound with the torn shirt anil tied a sash tightly rulind the body. Taking a leathern flask from his pouch, he forced some fluid be tween the may lips, and Wontwoi'th, with a long sigh, opened his e;, es. "Iff. nothing to boast of," said .itn jlrnng 1 -in elessly. "I have rub 'U lv.ei.iy miles w :se mangled. Can you sit jmir I'." if I put 'Hi on him V ' "O M.' l.ii'.ilie.l the youth, ileal lo weeping. 'Tuul Hint I was to k all for linn ! of a word "Tut, tin".'' as l!ii t 1 1 1 1 1 - !i "T.iroo 1 e he had kiiVil . 1.0 rl'-k. You'll be right 01 I hi ee Weeks," ill, my 1 iodl Would me outright "' "What .. iroiihling you? Anything In which I 1 an help? 1 see you are no coward, and it is not alone the wound thin hurls, is it this oxford journey?" The prone iinulid made no reply, but, cr inning, turned his face to the turf. "' i'lrkeii!" cried Armstrong earnest ly. "Although our acquaintance is of tiie sl.oite 1, I would dearly love to do ymi a si rvice. I will go to Oxford I."- yo.: .mil do there whatever you I . -11 done " The rpi akcr reddened as he snid this, and Ills ei nscience reproved him for thus making use of the olber's In liniiity, although he maintained stout ly to bin. self that he was honest in Ids proclamation. The stivken youth wa no less trou bled In mind than In body, feeling him self a tri'in herons wretch, accidentally well puubhed; but he, too, inwardly braced Ids weakening purpose by tho thought Hint ho acted for tho good of his country, an ncticu tending toward the speedy return of peace. "Help me to my horse," he pleaded, Ignoring the proffer Just made to him. "I must get home und lenrn whether this- hurt Is serious or not." "It is far from serious, 1 tell you, and It means only a month's idleness. Lean you on me. Tlioro; make 110 ex ertion. I will lift you to your sad dle," The powerful Scot raised him as If he were a child und, with a woman's tondeiness, set him gently on his horse, lie got Into his own seat so promptly Hint his steadying hand was on his comrade's shoulder before the swaying body could do more than threaten a full. "TIiIh way, you tiny?" Wentworth nodded wearily, nnd the two set out slowly for tho litghrond. liesplte their awkwnrd going, tho edi fice they sought wns soon In sight, sltunled In n park, to which a wind ing hunt led from tho main thorough fine. Tho place seemed deserted, und as they nenred It Wentworth showed II fnlnt anxiety that ho might reach his room unobserved. "My sister must be told, of course, nnd 11 doctor brought, hut I wish to nvofit n rabblo of gosslplnt servants If I can " "I will curry you wherever you Ul- the . rect, nnd If we meet .my one we- must enjoin silence. Can you Indicate the. position of n private door through which we inny enter." "The most private door l.i the most public door. Tho front entranco will likely he deserted. I would walk but that we must hurry or be seen. Tnka inn up the stair and to the second room on your rlgljt. That Is alwayn ready 1 for inn." j The Scot took the youth ngaln In his 1 tirtns nnd speedily laid hlni on his own bed. The .lolling, despite the cam 1 I iai;eu, nau sinned the rude tmnilage, nnd the wound bled afresh. Arm strong, anxious fur the safety of his burden, had not noticed that his own doublet was smeared with blood. With the better appliances now at hand, he did what was immediately necessary nnd revived the L.d's ebbing strength ' with a second draft from the leathern ! bottle. A sound of .singing came to! litem as he finished bis ministrations. , "That Is I'rances, my sister." breath ed Wontworth, with closed eyes. "Break It gently to her and say 1 am not dangerously hurt. She will know what to do." "II ATTKU XV. I!.MSTUON(! stepped out into tbe hall, closing the door soft ly b"hlnd him. 'I he melody w-as coming from the broad fitalrway and censed as lie singer teemed to pause 011 the binding. lie remembered that landing a he nimo up with his burden. He stood hesitat ing, undecided whether lo advance mi far as the head of the stair or await the coining of the girl where lie wns. Then he heard her voice evidently calling through the open window: ".lohn, there nre two saddled horses under the trees. See who has come." Armstrong strode forward to the stair head. "Your pn-don, madam," lie said. "One of Hie boi-ses .s mine; tiie other be longs to your brother. M.iv I ask the man to look after them':" Tho girl turned quickly, h"r dark eyes wide wit'.- alarm. Into the mind of the intruder, looking down upon her from his 1 icvation. flashed the words of her brother: "It simply means you have not yet met He right woman. When ymi meet her, you will be in a great a dase as that in which I found you nt the crossroads.'' "She Ik magnificent," he said to him self. Witii her inns? of blin k hair fall ing in wavy cascade over her shoul ders, her midnight ey es appealing and (lushed with a fear that swept tlio color from her cheeks, she looked a pallid goddess. "My brother:" she cried nt Inst. "What of him?" Then, noticing the blood on Armstrong's cout, she gave utterance to a startled exclamation, moving a step forward und checking herself. "Is he wounded? Has there been a bnitle? Where Is he?" "He is wounded, but not seriously. I brought bun to his own room." Without another word she sprang up tho slab-, ' c.t her interlocutor, and Hew along 1 ! ball, disappearing into the invalid's chamber. Armstrong thought it best not to intrude at the moment of their meeting, so passed on down the stair ami out 10 the horses, win re he found an old servitor .standing ).uiiid over them Armstrong dispatched lui.i for the doctor. Then lie b-l his own horse to a stall in Hie stable-, took otf saddl' and bri dle, then went lo the well am! removed tho stains 11 'a bis tlotlung ,1.; well as water w ml do It Doing toward the house h. met tlu. girl. "My bro'le ; .says you tell him the wound is not dangerous. Is thai true?" she asked. "Quite true. I've had a dozen worse myself." he replied, with encouraging exaggeration "Hut lie will have to lie still for a month or more" "He say s that is Impossible, but I told him be shall do as the doctor or ders, duty or no duty. 1 11111 going to send for i r. Marsdcn. so pray pardon inc." "1 have already sent for Dr. Mars den. I took that liberty, for it Is bet ter in such a case to los(. no time." The girl tinned and walked to the house witn him. lie found the patient restless and Irritable. The wan white ness of his f.ice had given place to ris ing fever. His ey s were unnaturally bright, and they followed Armstrong with a. haunted look 111 them. When lr. M.irsilen arrived be went about bis work in Inislne si;ko I'nsb ion. A physician '-t' 'bat day h nl ample experii uce with either gunshot or sword wounds, ea li being plentiful enough to arouse little run 'siiy respect ing their mi", 11. lie 1 .quely turned Armstrong and t'.e li-tcr out of Ha room after having re'quis.tioueil whit materials be nc -ut, mid Hie two stood together in anxious and somewhat em barriissoel silence 0:1 the binding, with in mill if I'Hlie'r were needed. Tin girl whs Hie tii-st to speak. "I fair my brother's e-ase Is more dangerous liian you would have me suppose," she said In tremulous voice. "Not from the wound," ho answered. "1'roiu what, then?" she asked In sur prise. "I do not know. lie has something on his mind. 1 saw that from the mo incut lie was hurt. He Is very brine', nnd this accident in Itself would make little Impression on him. My acquaint ance with lilm Is but a few hours old. yet I know hi' is a fearless youth. Arc you aware of a mission tint takes him to Oxford?" "I have not the least knowledge ot It. I heard no hint of his going, and hr said nothing of his Journey when wr spoke together." "lie told 1110 ho had expected a e-om-ratio who hael failed him. Cromwell hlinse'lf gave lilm 11 pass for two. llr said he was to see the brother of his sweetheart, who la with the king in Oxford." "That is very likely. Tho Iwo were great friends always, even when they tool: opposite sides lu this deplorable e'oniest which i,s rending our distracted country." "There, must be more than friend ship lu this Journey; otherwise Crom well would not have given lilm such a pass us ho holds. If I can re-ndei servico to him In Oxford I shall be glad to undertnUe his coiui.il.sslon " "Do you, then, go to Oxford?" asked the girl Innocently, turning her ellsquiel and disquieting eyes full upon lilm. "I I hnd no such intention when 1 set out," stammered Armstrong, abash A ed that for once his natural cuiitlot had forsaken him. "It matters little how fur south I go, and I am wlllint to do un errand for a friend. I tooli him for 11 royalist at first nnd saw nc danger in his purpose, but If he be a parliaineiitarhin, then Oxford Is a place lo avoid." "Old he not tell you he wns a purlin tneiilallun?" (pteslloned the girl, now alarmed In her turn. "No. on told me so." "I? You must bo mistaken, sir. 1 gave you 110 Information about mj brother." "You said his friend in the ktnrr force ban not thought ihe less of lilm bi-e-iiuse he took the other side." "I am distraught with anxiety about lilm and gave but little he'c 1 to my words. I would have you tvmomber only what my brother himself told you." Their conversation wns interrupted by the opening ()f the door and the re appearance of the doctor. The girl lould not conceal her trepidation, for the nontechnical stranger's assurances had slight weight with her. "Thomas Is doing ve-ry well; very Well Indeed." said the old mini, "You have no cause for alarm, not the slightest, If he can but be kept quiet for some days nnd rest where he Is for a few weeks. You attended lo lilm, sir. and I take It that you posses a smattering of our art." "I hnve need of that knowledge, doc tor," replied Armstrong, "for those who have' done me the honor lo nm me through rarely had the e-emsidera-Hon to make' their attack within e'asy call of a surge-on." Thou, turning to Hie girl, the- doctor said: "Your brother wishes to speak with you, and I have reluctantly given my consent. You will stay with him as short a time us may be. and I will lie here to see Hint you elo not overstep a reasonable limit. One word more'. lo not argue with lilm or dispute- any thing lie says, no matter how absurd ll may seem. Agree to any proposal he makes even if you know it cannot be- carried out. He Is evidently dis turbed about bis duty. Soothe him -sooibi. him and concur. There is littl" use- 111 telling a lad in bis condition linn duty must wait till wounds an healed, but he will recognize that fa t when he i we'll nct'lii. Meanwhile hu mor lilm; humor him. Awav, and I count the minute's till you are out again. I will liuil John and send him for a competent nurse." Trances opened the- eloor gently and met her brother's hungry eyes, .'lie sat down beside lilm. taking his fe-ve-red hum! between her e'ool palms. "Oh. I'm u doomed man, a doomed man!" he groaned. "Nonsense. Toin! The doctor quite agrees with the stranger that your wound Is not dangerous." "1 was not thinking of tbe wound That eloes not matter." "What docs, then, dear?" "Sister, this morning nt daylight 1 was to have been laki-n out and shot." The girl's hands tightened on Ids. "Cromwell himself reprieved mo his! night, but on conditions The sentence still hangs over me. and now I'm help lea to inert It, and nil through my owe folly. Oh, I huve been 11 heedb ss fool! With evi'ry Incentive not to tnke risk 1 have walkee! blindly" "Ye's dear yes. Kut tell me how I can air you. The stranger says lie uiM do anything win want done In oxford, going there specially on youi errand, nnd lie looks like a until to in trust" l." Trust him:" he cruel impatiently, "Frances. Frames, it i against him 1 am going to Oxford! 'Ihe man is a spy e arn lug a message to the' king. lie Is lnlerferlni in a quarrel thai should be 110 concern of Ids, and In life is ulread." forfeit, 11s indeeel is the , case with my own. Hut the price- of my 1 life Is the thwarting of him. Tho klngj will give him a commission to be taken t to Hie Seottlsh nobles. It is that docu-j nient I was to rend from him. by force j if necessary, by cunning if possible 1 1 was to give him every aid lo reach Ox I ford, but on the way bacjs I was to gain posse'--siou of this commission and rhle to Cromwell with It; then life audi promotion were inliie', and now I lie hen1 helpless ns 11 trussed fowl." "A loathsome, treacherous task for a man to put upon tlio shoulders of a beiy ." "I! iook you. I'va'icei. 'lis Ion me-et ing tiv.nhery with treachery Arm strong has no right in this 'onlest, and l-,s -.--eces-s lm-ins a new bl..-'. of war. with the ios. of thnu-;li''s of Inn icon! Km-s. It means the pisdble t.iuniph ot the kind who miird.-i'i'il our I'lithei and broke' !ih pledged word to him ami to you. And seemi'.g tr'eke'ry may be real un 11 y, n.s ic tl is cise- il is. lor .1 Cromwell cannot obu.in the king'.s let ter by stealthy 11:0 uu he will crush this Arm:. t long as rut blcssly as he would i-i'i.-h a gnat. Ity no possibility e'.m ibis Scot ever see bis html again if lie ho Ms that fatal instrument, for the whole iirmy i.i watching lilm. I'.ut once bereft eif It he Is free to go as he pleases. This simpleton thinks he has deluded Cromwell and Is blundering on uiioiiKu o 1001a i;iwiiuso mat nri.sile-s with unseen swords. If I weie his' dearest friend I could do him no great-1 or service than to purloin the docu-1 ine'iit of doom he will carry when he' turns his face north again." I "What do you wish me to do?" asked the girl lu a low voice, her eyes staring Into space1, her hand trembling with ap prehension at what she knew Intuitive ly was to lie re-quired of her. "Frances, dear, you once took u Jour ney alone lo Loudon, to see our father. Again you went the same road, to a It! lilm if you could, and fulled, to our lasting grief, lliiough (lie siipineuess of a thrice perjured moniirch. Will you refuse to set out 011 11 shorter ex ! pcdltlou, not for my sake only, ul 1 though the saving of my worthless lift will be one effect of your success, but I to overturn what Is perhaps the Una plot of our father's slayer, who hat already deluged tlio land with blood?' "I'll do It," she said quietly, rising stooping over and kissing him. "Frances," he said hurriedly, "re member you are pre-le'ctcd by Crom well's own pans, so have no tour. In onsu of need lhe tinny or any part of It must stand ready to aid you if you (all upon l( Old John will ride be hind ami look after you. Although the piss mentions (wo only, It Is so sweep ing that they will doubtless take It te luilude a servant Any subordinate' W'll l isltate before lie delays out' I currying so broad a permit from Crom well himself." "Yes, yes. I shall meet with no dlfll ctllly, j-oit may be sure. You hnve al ready talked too much, nnd the doctoi will censure) ine. Ooodby, Tom. (.let speedily well, and that will bo my re ward, for I swear to you, by our fa ther's memory, that my hand idiall give into Cromwell's the king's parchment." "Send Armstrong to me," wore Ids parting weirds to lier. Armstrong entered Hie room shortly after Frances bad left It. "This will never do," cried the Scot cheerily. "The doctor is in despult over Hi" time your sister spoilt with you, and he Is at this moment chiding her, Me I e has threatened with direst pciialtlce if 1 exceed a scant, minute. So I shall Just have to bid you fare well and be otf, wishing you quick re covery." "Armstrong," said the boy huskily. "My sister must take to the Oxford roiukaiul lemi'dy my default. Will you be her comrade there und back?" "Ai faithfully ntr ever belted knight attended fair lndy," replied Armstrong, b!.-i eyes suddenly tiblnze with Joy. ".John will attend her. und I am sure your good sword will protect her If net d li"," "Ymi may tnk oath on that." "I give you the pass which Is safe conduct for you both, and I think It wii! s,.rve to cover John ns well. If not. your own might shield him as far as Manchester " "My own will shield me as far ns Muii'brster, and this will, more ap propriately, convey your sister and her servant. After Manchester wo will tonnage some way. I'.e not uneasy about tint. I give you tbe word of a Scottish gentleman I will care for your sister ns if she were my own." Armstrong took the pn--s. which was now ominously stain'-d red. lie grasp ed his supposed friend by t,0 muni, bade hlin tiirewel! and wished ilm) quick li"!illiig. Went worth's throat choked, for a feeling of strong l,mg for the man abneisi nvei pow e-re 1 bun, 1' MVAvn i ferrr ;yff jE2.'. h ill If "PIT THIS PASS but a stinging sense of Ins own per tidioiisni'ss held lilm silent, lte-nioi-se was already biting worse than the wound in bis side The stranger turn ed for a moment at the door, waved his hand und called to him to be ot good cheer. A sob broke from the lad's ti.roat, and weakly he cursed tlu exigencies of war. CHAI'TKl! XVI. T "fIMlN Armstrong left l-c room fy,7 w Here the wounded boy w ) nc loitnit 1 tr M u-sd"!i - pacing up a, id down the hall, visibly impatient il"W, -. noiearod gratilled that tie .-1 ; -i h,-,d contented ll'insc;:' w tb so rt i:itei iew. A rin-1 rung bad' t ' pt . a nc- it well, and this pioM-d 'l si .e w s to see of hi ,1 1 i ,- 0 ui. 1 I.. 11 w ' id to the stables to iced at 11 w .iter l!n - not knowing bo-s s 1 , v gin 1 im need of him Ueluriiillg to the hers. In- tl ' t I'l-i'i ees Wentworth c- bntiy -i -'uli ' him. It sei'iiied to 1 1 1 1 1 1 - li.il 1 1 Weeping, nnd there w is a pc.ept.bli change !n Hie cn'-diahn ! In r r .0 ncr toward hlin. He fear d this wa perhaps to bo aci-oniitcd for by : ' admiration of her bounty wl.idi glances might have betrayed, and resolved to be more careful ill f n . : ' although It was dilllcult to repress tin exaltation he felt at the prospect of being her companion on a long nnd peissllily dangerous expedition. "Has my brother spoken to you ot my visit to Oxford':" she asked. "Yes." "Would It lie as convenient to you to set out tomorrow morning as this after noon':" "Oulte. ll would be better, lu fact, for my horse hud u luird day of it yes terday, traveling 1 don't know how ninny miles. Perhaps you can tell inn where 1 am. 1 could get no tufeinua lion from my surly jailers." "You are In the southern part of bur-' ham, near the Yorkshire bonier." "We have come even further than I though!. A day's rest wul do 110 harm to the horse." "1 thank you," tho girl said some what primly us she turned away. Then, panting and hesitating a mo ment, she continued, with face half averted. "My brother and 1 are twins, and perhaps the more devoted to each other on Hint uccount. I would do unythliig for him. I wish to stay nnd H-c. the nurse installed " '"I thoroughly understand the situa tion, mid I wish 1 were able to tell you how completely I sj nipathize with you Although I know your brother so short a time, 1 am only too i;l.ul to be of the slightest assistance to hlin Tills grneio-.m avowal did not mux to have the elfect it ineri'eil Son inn-u 01 n irown ttuirroii tl.,. unw.nl ness of the gliTu brow, and her 11) became compressed. If a u ranger to lie robbed and thwarted It j t embii rnsslng to henr friendly protestatlot F ,".. 1,1... ....Inlt I ... .. . . l"'"l ...111, rn H'tllll . Wllt'll T 1H I doubt nbotit their truth." "I thank you," she innn .ored ngal and left lilm abruptly. It wns very curly nest n' Armstrong stood by his- b: the lane under the trees , his fair (barge, v ho seem' o t Ihe privilege of sex 1 1 ' Old John w us aire v i.v 1 1, , animal tl'.if besides arr inck lio.-se t'f i- tbe livg.igc the young lady ni ler tr 1 tho gil 1 up id v d A lust t forwntd to oi'.-r 1 . ,s 1 was u traction r.n . ,,!,,. Ignoring hun. si o : 1 and away before 1 r lould ini Ho udmiied the l,r t t ease he :e I fo . e 1 ( ' I sue accomplished t'i,s i.c lt 1 sw 11 once sue was u pr: 1 ncni It. s, uoi inn on ns good terms Wi b in r s'ei 1 us h was with his own. Sic 0 in ui thi fane to the mnln road, n turneii south, never looking ai;,,u. iwl th home she was leaving l.urrvj g, In deed, as If it were her purp se to gel out of sight as soon as ; 1 After nn hour of tbW An -' t g be gnu to wonder where be w.s going Nothing had ben sntd to bin regard ing the route to be taken, nno the gin .-iie oil ur. coiiiiiiL'iiuy . n w' e i i ug her head, as If she nnd n t oc were to he tho lender of the et.' .1 t mi He 1llllrlllt MIltelK- 'It tlllu M I,. I, .- t . rein, Iiruee, requiring no o'l.er lout, ...........I .....1 ......... 1. 4U- 1 nu-jiii:Li uui aim ut ui luuih iul- 001 e in front. "Have you any plan marked out with reference to the roads we may t hr or the towns we are to p.ts- tbrcigli or avoid?" he nsked. "Yes. We will reach y , k ton .lit. then follow lb. London r , , is Stniuford. After that w . or ' .s,oU- IN SAFH K LLPINO." west through Northnmpt, "It is all settled then. ' ing. 11 to o.f 1 1 he said, si, .Mi l re I dd I 1 "I knew He- w a . we.1 n'.-cr 1 ud you w " l.i'IWc 11 s I II ,'1 to ,11 .. p., o'-k to t in. a nd e'-l. ti'iilt 1 t 1, "This is not unlike some pin ts of Scot land," he said nt last. In in III fated attempt to revive a e'onvers.-ita.n wl, h he did not recognize as dead und be yond his power to rcsuseitate The girl reined in her horse, and Urii'-o stopped through sympathy. o 1 John halting, that the respectful dist, n v 1.3 f.ept might not be ilccreas. 1! I r mces held her head high, and there was a sparkle of determination in her eye. It was ht to begin right, and she would put this persisteni man 01 1- s place, a task already too long d.- ,ye 1, And iierhaiis the putting of hun 111 1 s place would lessen the clamor of her own conscience. "Sir, who me- you?" was her nma ing inquiry. "Me?" gasped Armstrong "1 m a Scotsman." "Perhaps 1 should have mhI, what are you?" "You mean Ob, ym :l dr.nc- a dealer In cuttle." "Did my brother ull you wbo I 1 . " "He told me his father was the . '0 Karl of Strafford." "Yesterday 1 was grateful to you for the aid you afforded my brother. ..s I should have been grateful to my ser ant if he had occupied your p! . 1 1 ,t I should not have forgotten lie dis tance between that sen .nit und my self. Straf .i-d's daughter docs not recogni.-e u dro.er -is her social eounl 1 ask ,ou to t, ke tho posit un I s. t fr 'it 1 m n this juirnov "bo you ii e-aii madam, hint I am to ride w Itli your s nutii . '