Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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Co) Sy CHAPTER VII. If he might not return to Beaulieu within the year. and if his brother's dogs were to be set upon him if he showed face upon Minstead land, then indeed was Alleyne adrift upon earth. North, south, cast and west-he might turn wliere he would. but all was equal Iv chill and cheerless. The Abbot had rolled ten silver crowns in a let tuce-leaf and hid them away in the bot to-n of his scrip, but that would be a sorry support for twelve long months. In all the darkness there was but the one bright spot of the sturdy comrades whom he had left that evening. ir n could find them again all would be well. He pushed on, therefore, now walking and now running. The forest began to shred out into scattered belts of trees. with gleam of oi -d stretch of pasture-land between. Here and there by the way side stood little knots of wattle-and daub huts. with shock-haired laborers lounging by the doors and red-cheeked children sprawling in the roadway. By these Alleyne knew that he was on the very fringe of the forest, and therefore no great way from Christ church. Right glad later, was the trav eller to see the high tower of Christ church Priory gleaming in the mellow evening light, and gladder still when. rounding a corner, he came upon his comrades of the morning seated astrad dle upon a fallen tree. They had a flat space before them. on which they ai ternately threw little square pieces of bone, and were so intent upon their oc (upation that they never raised eye as he approached them. He observed with astonishment, as he drew near, that the archer's bow was on John's back, the archer's sword by John's side, and the steel cap laid upon the tree-trunk be tween them. .Mort de ma vie" Avlward shouted, looking down at the dice. "Never had I such cursed luck. A murrain on the bones! I have not thrown a good main i'c e I left Navarre. I am like to reach Ch ristchurch in my shirt." Then sud denly glancing up. "Ilola. by the splen dor of heaven, here is our cher petit! Now, by my ten finger-bones! this Is a rare sight to mine eyes" He sprang up and threw his arms round Alleyne's neck, while John, no less pleased, but more backward and Saxon in his habits. stood grinning and bobbing by the wayside, with his newly-won steel cap stuck wrong-side foremost upon his tangle of red hair. "Hast come to stop?" cried the bow man. patting Alleyne all over in his de light. "Shall not get away from us wish no better," said he, with a pringling in the eyes at tnis nearty greeting. "Well said, lad!" cried big John. "We three shall to the wars together, and the devil may fly away with the Abbot of Beaulieu! But your feet and hosen are all besmudged. Hast been in the water?" "I have in good sooth," Alleyne ans wered, and then, as they journeyed on their way, he told them the many things that had befallen him "But you." said Alleyne, "tnere nave been changes with you also. Where are bow and sword and cap-and why so warlike, John?" "It is a game which friend Aylward hath been a-teaching of me." , "And I found him an over-apt pupil." grumbled the bowman. "He hath stripped me. But, by my hilt! you must render them back to me. cama rade, lest you bring discredit upon my mission, and I .will,,pay you for them at armorer's prices." "Take them back, man, and never heed the pay." said John. "I did .but wish to learn the feel of .them, since I am like to have such trinkets hung to my own girdle for some years to cma fol, he was born a free com panion!" cried Aylward, "He hath the very trick of speech and turn of thought. I take them back then, and indeed it gives me unease not to feel my yew-stave tapping against .my leg. It chanced on that very evening that Sir Nigel Loring, having supped before sunset, as was his custom, had taken his dogs for an evening breather. Two russet-clad varlets, with loud halloo and cracking whips, walked thigh-deep amid the swarm, guiding, controlling. and urging. Behind camne Sir Nigel himself. wvith Lady Loring upon hs arm. the pair walking slowly and se dately, as befitted both their age and their condition. They paused at the ir gNigel was a slight man .of poor stature, with soft lisping voice and gentle 'ways. So short was he that his wife, who was no very tall woman, had the better of him by the breadth of three fingers. His sight having been injured in his early wars by a basket ful of lime which had been emptied over him when he led the Earl of Derby's stormers up the breach at Bergerac, he had contracted something of a stoop, with a blinking, peering: expression of face. His age was six and-forty, but the constant practice of arms. together with a cleanly life, had preserved his activity and endurance unimpaired, so that from a distance he seemed to have the slight limbs and swift grace of a boy. His face, how ever, was tanned of a dull yellow tint. and the little pointed beard which he wore was streaked and shot with gray. His features were small, delicate, and regular, with clear-cut curving nose. and eyes which jutted forward from the lids. His dress was simple and yet spruce. A gold embroidered belt of knighthood encircled his loins, with his arms, five roses gules on a field argent, cunningly worked upon the clasp. So stood Sir Nigel Lorine upon the bridge of Avon. and talked .ightly 'with his lady. And, certes, had the two visages; alone been seen, and the stranger been asked which were the more likely to belong to the bold warrior whose name was loved by the roughest soldiery of Eu rope, he had assuredly selected the lady's. Her face was large and square. 'with fierce thick brows. and the eyes of one who was accustomed to rule. It was the are of martial women. The deeds of Black Agnes of Dunham. of TLady Salisbury, and of the Countess of Montfort were still fresh In the public mind. With such examnles before them. the wives of the English captains had become as warlike as their mates, an ordered the castle in their absence wit the prudence and discipline of veteran seneschals. Right easy were the Mont ac'utes of their Castle of Twvnham.vand little had they to dread from rovin. galler or French scindron while Lady y"-v Enring had the ordering of it. 't" toll ynn, my lord." she was say ing. "tlhat it is 'not fit training for a den'oiclln: htwks and hounds, rotes and citoles. singing a French rondel or reading the (lestes de D'oon do May ence. as I found her vester-might, pine tonding eteen. the artful. with the cor ner of the s."'n11 thrusting forth from i'ndar her pillow. Lent her hv Father ehristopher of the Priory, forsooth t~"t is ever her answer. How shal all this help her when she has castle or bor ow"n to keen, with ahna, months all agape for hoef and drink?" "True. moy sweet bird. true." answered the knitght. "The maid is like the plun~gee for very lust of life. Give her tir'o ,Tnme. give her time" "Well T know tha't my father would have given me. not time. but a good ".ozl-stiok aecross my shouldors. T lfonw pot what the world is coming to. when young maids mav flout their eld ers. T wonder that you do not correct he" my fair lord?" "we-my heart's comfort, T never "alsed hand to woman vet, and it would h~e a passing strange thing If I began .--n ,y own flesh and blood. But I )Yri h'teC L894.By Haaper 1E ops!s of preceding chapters at end of this iastallment doubt not that you are right, and that Maude's wings need clipping, which I may leave in your hands when I am gone, for, in sooth, this peaceful life is not for me, and were it not for your gracious kindness and loving care I cold not abide it a week. I hear that there is talk of warlike -muster at Bor deaux once more, and by St. Paul! it would be a new thing if the lions of England and the red pile of Chandos were to be seen in the field, and the roses of Loring were not waving by thcir side." 'ow woe with me but I feared it!" cried she, with the color all struck from her face. "I have noted your ab sent mind, your kindling eye, your try ing and riveting of old harness. Con sider, my sweet lord, that you have al ready won much honor, that we have seen but little of each other, that you bear upon your body the scars of over twenty wounds received in I know not how many bloody encounters." "My lady, when our liege lord the king at three-score years, and my Lord Chandos, at three-score and ten, are blithe and ready to lay lance in rest for England's cause. it wculd ill be seem me to prate of service done. It would be bitter shame to me. and also to you, since my fame is yours, that 1 should now hold back if a man's work is to be done. Besides, bethink you how low is our purse, with bailiff and reeve ever croaking of empty farms and wasting lands. Were it not for this constableship which the Earl of Salisbury hath bestowed upon us we could scarce uphold the state which Is fitting to our degree. Therefore, my sweeting, there is the more need that I should turn to where there Is good pay to be earned and brave ransoms to be won." "Ah, my dear lord," quoth she, with sad, weary eyes, "I thought that at last I had you to mine own self, even though your youth had been spent afar from my side. Yet my voice, as I know well, should speed you on to glory and renown, not hold you back when fame !s to be won. Yet what can I say? for all men know that your valor needs the curb and not the spur!" "Fret not thyself, my heart's dove, for it is like that there may be no war waged, and we must await the news. But here are three strangers, and, one, as I take it. a soldier fresh from ser vice. It Is likely that he may give us word of what Is stirring over the water." Lady Loring, glancing up, saw in the fading l!ght the three companions iIi - "FLICKE alkig abeastdow theroad al raywit dut, nd taied ithtrael re catern merl bten hm l is breastae dow sthepped. allt im, with a rough, uncouth bow to the ay. "Your pardon, fair sir," said he, "but : know you the moment I clap eyes on ou, though in sooth I have seen you ftener In steel than in velvet. I have ilrawn string beside you at La Roche i Errien, Romorantin, Maupertius, No ent, Auray, and other places. I bring you this letter from the valiant Gascon night. Sir Claude Latour." As they read It, Alleyne, who stood wIth Hordle John a few paces back from their comrade, saw the lady catch her breath, while the knight laughed oftly to himself. "You see, dear heart," said he, "that they will not leave the old dog in his ennel when the game is afoot. And what of this White Company, archer?" "Ah, sir, you speak of dogs'" cried tylward: "but there are a pack of lusty oundis who are ready for any quarry. f they have but a good huntsman to halloo them on. Sir, we have been in the wars together, and I have seen rany a brave following, but never such . set of woodland bo'ys as this. They but want you at their head, and who ll bar the way?" "Pardieu:" said Sir Nigel. "if they tre like their messenger, they are in ced men of whom a leader may be ,roud. Your name, .good archer?"' "Sam Aylward, sir, of the Hundred f Easebourne and the Rape -of Chi hester." "And this giant behind you?"' "He is big John of Hordle, a forest nan, who hath now taken service in :he Company." , "A proper figure of a man-at-arms," aid the little knight. "'Why, Aylward. ou are no chicken, yet I warrant him he stronger man. See to that great :tone from the coping which bath fallen ipon the bridge. Four of my lazy var lets strove this day to carry it hence. would that you two could put them n shame by budging it. though. I fear that I overtask you, for it is o.' a rrievous weight." Pe pointed., as he sonke. to a huge ough-hewn block which lay by the -ndside, deeni sunken from its own eiht, in thc' reddish earth. The cher annroached it. rollinst back the leeves of his jerkin. but with no very onfn1 enuntenance, for ind,'od it wv' side with his left hand. "Tr't me try i pi'll at this, little nlummet."~ ha said. 'h'thines me that I mar ho able to muae it from its bed. Thon. porchane., eou can assist me in the. henvine-. ~tooing ovrthe huge stone,.h rsned ihvtwo nroiecting edens an raigbtened his giant legs in an un ward null. As he bent his weight and trnth to the effort, the stone for the ninue stnok fnst: then 'ns the ,Mehgty uscles of his broad back creaked and the hug-e ktse on his nearly bare ,Brot eTS . shoulders drew into tense bunches with the strain of the tug. the stone gave way from its beil with a gurghng suck and came free in his hands. With a deep chested chuckle, as the archer stepped forward to help in the throw ing. H1ordle John straightened himself and hurled the rock well out into the stream. "Good lack" erlcd Sir Nigel, and "Good lack!" cried his lady. while John stood laughing and wiping the caked dirt from his fingers. "I have felt his arms round my ribs," said the bowman, "and they crackle yet at the thought of it. This other com rade, fair Sir, is a right learned clerk. for all that he is so young, hight \lleyne. the son of Edric, brother to the Soeman of Minstead." "Young man." quoth Sir Nigel stern ly. "if you are of the same way of thought as your brothir. you may not pass portcullis of mine." "Nay, fair Sir." cried . '-vard hasti ly, "I will be pledge f.: i that they have no thought in commn; for this very day his brother hath set his dogs upon him, and driven him from his lands." "And are you, too, of the White Com pany?" asked Sir Nigel. "Hast had small experience of war, if I may judge by looks and bearing." "I would fain to France with my friends here." Alleyne answered: "but I am a man of peace-a reader, exorcist, acolyte, and clerk." "That need not hinder," quoth Sir Nigel. "It is well to have a learned clerk in every troop. By St. Paul! there are men so caitiff that they think more of a scrivener's pen that of their lady's smile, and do their devoir in hopes that they may fill a line in a chronicle or mate a iag to a jongleur's romance. I remember well that, at the siege of Retters, there was a little, sleek. fat clerk of the name of Chaucer, who was so apt at rondel, sirvente, or tonson, that no man dare give back a foot from the walls, lest he find it all set down In his rhymes and sung by every underling and varlet In the camp. Put, my soul's bird, you hear me prate as though all were decided, when I have not ye't taken counsel either with you or with my lady mother. Let us to the chamber. while'these strangers find such fare as pantry and celler may furnish." The three comrades dropped behind nnd followed: Alyward much the lU-htr for havir accomnlished his mission, Alleyne full of wonderment at the humble bearing of so renowned a A Ak )THE BEAST TWICE ACROSS THE aptain, and John loud with snorts and neers, which spoke his disappointment nd contempt. "What ails the man?" asked Alyward n surprise. "I have been cozened and bejaped," uoth he gruffly. "By whom, Sir Samson the strong?" "By thee, Sir Balaam the false rophet." "By my hilt!" cried the archer, though I be not Balaam, yet I hold onverse with the very creature that spake to him. W\hat Is amiss, then, nd how have I played you false?" "Why, marry, did you not say, and Alleyne here will be my witness, that. f I would hie to the wars with you, 'ou would place me under a leader who ras second to none in all England for alor? Yet here you bring me to a sredl of a man, peaky and ill-nour shed, with eyes like a moulting owl, who must needs, forsooth, take coun sel with his mother ere he buckles sword to girdle." "Is that where the shoe galls?" cried h bowman, and laughed aloud. "I ill ask you what you think of him hree months hence, if we be all alive; for sure I am that-" Aylward's words were interrupted by n extraordinary hubbub which broke ut that instant some little wvay down l.e street in the direction of the riory. There was deep-mouthed houting of meii, frightened shrieks of omen, howling and harking of curs. nd over all a sullen thunderous umble, indescribably menacing and errible. Round the corner of the nar ow street there came rushing a brace f whining dogs with tails glued under heir legs, after them a white-faced urgher, wvith outstretched hands and ide-spread fingers, his hair all bristle and his eyes glinting back from one shoulder to the other, as hough some great terror were at his 'erv heels. "Fly, my lady, fly!" he creeched, and whizzed past them like 'ct f'-"Tm bow: while 'lose behind cameI umbering a huge black bear, with red onrue lolling from his mouth, and a 'roken chain jangling behind him. To right and left the folk flew for arch and doorway. H~ordle John caught up he Lady Loring as if she had been a eather, and sprang with her into an pen porch: while Aylward, with a hirl of French oaths. plucked at his ulver and tried to unsling his bow. Allene. all unnerved at so strange and mwonted a sieht. shrunK up againt the wall with his eyes fixed upon the 'r'nzied creature, which~ came hounding 'one with ungainly snood. looking the nrer In the unertain light, its huge nws agape, with blood ani slaver trikling to the ground, Sir Nigel lone. unconscious to all nonearance of he universal panic, walked with un itrinea step uP the centre of the "cd, n silken handkor'hief in one hand nd his gold comdft-hnx in the other.I t sent the blood cold through Allevne's veins to see that as they came togeth reared up, with eyes ablaze with fear and hate. and whirled its great paws above the knight to smite him to the earth. He, however, blinking with puck cred eyes, reached up his kerchiel, anc licked the beast twice across the snoul with it. "Ah, saucy: saucy!" quoth he with gentle chiding; on which the bear uncertain and puzzled, dropped its fort legs to earth again, and waddling back was soon swathed in ropes by the bear ward and a crowd of peasants who hac been in close pursuit. As they passet through the castle gate. John lucke at Aylward's sleeve, and the two iel, behind. "I must crave your pardon, comrade.' said he bluntly. "I was a fool not te know that a little rooster may be Jhf gamest. I believe th:ia tis man is in deed a leader whom we may follow.' CHAPTER VIII. Black was the mouth of Twynharr Castle, though a pair of torches, burn ing at the further end of the gateway cast a red glare over the outer bailey and sent a dim ruddy flicker througi the rough-hewn arch, rising and tail ing with litful brightness on the shields which bore the red roses of the veterar constable. As they passed over the drawbridge, Alleyne marked the glean of arms in the embrasures to right and left, and they had scarce set foot upor the causeway ere a hoarse blare burst from a bugle, and with screech the hinge and clank of chain. the ponder ous bridge swung up into the air, drawn by unseen hands. At the samc instant the huge portcullis came rat tling down from above, and xhut off the last fading light of day. Sir Nigel and his lady walked on In deep taLk, while a fat under-steward took charge of the three comrades. and led them tc the buttery. where beef, bread, and drink were kept ever in readiness for the wayfarer. After a hearty meal and a dip in the trough to wash the dust from them, they strolled forth into the bailey. where the bowman peered about through the darkness at wall and at keep, with the carping eyes of one who has seen something of sieges, and is not lightly to be satisfied. To Alleyne and to John. however, it appeared to be as great and as stout a fortress as could be built by the hands of man., "Is there an archer here hight Saim Aylward?" asked a gaunt man-at-arms, clanking up to them arcoss the court yard. "My name, friend!" quoth the bow man. "Then sure I have no need to tell thee mine," said the other. "By the rood! if it is not Black Simor of Norwich!" cried Aylward. "A mor coeur, camarade, a mon coeur! Ah. bui I am blithe to see thee!" the two 'el upon each other and hugged like bears "And where from, old blood and bones?" asked the bowman. "I am In service here. Tell me, com rade, is it sooth that we shall have an other fling at-these Frenchmen? It Is so rumored in the guard-rooms, and that Sir Nigel will take the field once more." "It Is like enough. mon gar, as things go." Now may the Lord be praised!" crie] the other. "This very night will I sei apart a golden ouche to be offered or t5'e shrine of my name-saint. I have pined for this, Aylward. as a young maid pines for her lover." "Art so set on plunder, then? 1s th4 nurse so light that there 1s not enougl for a rouse? I haVe a bag at my belt amarade. and you have but to pui your fist into it fof what you want. Il was ever share and share between us.' "Nay, friend.. It Is hot the French man's gnil. hut the Vrenchfhih's bloo tl.at I would have. I should not res1 BY ote una hm o ithsi nac tha vrbenfi n hoe wrasufistfrth'a, u quietlndst the e arer f hd no n Tfondher tunate.wFrb wihers own earaht first frtherough buy a rendchmanee for the woman siter, asoing atu\incsa their seaIll graea cath upon itrance but yoer anwhioe hae own thite from ts. Milnd me, the ontear he son. bttle-y foundin, atrd, byo' heruth. m SiroNiger' wfe, and erno heis rne they wer e bugt as-apst fee the saddo-fap rundeer h osee. Iwl no"aWt e have not oo w ogtr atd adg, uoth Franced:u wondb and hildr enma hpe bee seefe ores wed die. But, ford, my heart Iy mhnd tht hee and som smang ter thedis "'Foe-ry Gan, itnds sooh! God tuh. ifaSrshal nfuis himeno uheapart "On whih, berind. glaowd ta feelh "Weul sette te goint work toethwe ame wa-og,"er qut tywr"ad, byee ny ht!emn thopetose gmmreough uarde But, coadeIt isv ino myeard lhat threi somethsmamottr mofre.s "Outetl fope teenad the.".a" he ther," hdawingo hIt. sword provot s arsha, and his mentl tore usoken." 'isinde last e mestasd;.u"ti "O awdeil'sh, ind, weimpwed clert we [hu smettmlet the potwhpecex wfte dtrue monc throwIsa glimmet enug morta sh o ight-birdsuc a wue. O What, monhartw grw hae n hary yurs o at eh othirs mthors? . "Outcefromuthe sadowSimon." said neoter dropwinm hisswr." orwin "sao, whlt nsand ntlgtyt betweoen "Avwtotsans" cried Alleyne, srnigbfr t-hebolman vow, and sampe cler as t htwo shltwan gronlsmen carn wors int each otherlik throt? renied" quoothirstck Saim."Ihv Totn, bittel drppearing heat fo min wd comaeu the asrel "as eher wa old yo.Is sll fipten and like 'hebwan. "ancte syhe nd lackt rood! I shall drive him into the earth like a nail into a door, rather than see you do scath to each other." 'Fore God, this is a strange way of preaching peace," cried Black Simon "You may find the scath yourself, my lusty friend. if you raise your great cudgel to me. I had as lief have the Lastle drawbridge drop upon my pate." "Tell me, Aylward," said Alleyne earnestly, with hands outstretched to keep the pair asunder. "what is the cause of quarrel, that we may see whether honorable settlement may not be arrived at?" The bowman looked down at his feet and then up at the moon. "Par bleau!" he cried, "the cause of quar rel? Why. mon petit, it was years ago in Limousin, and how can I bear in mind what was the cause of it? Simon thee- hath it at the end of his tongue." "Not I, in troth," replied the other. "I have had other things to think of. There was some sort of bickering over dice. or wine, or was it a woman, coz?" "Pasques Dieu! but you have nicked it." cried Aylward. "It was indeed about a woman; and the quarrel must go forward, for I am still of the same mind as before." "What of the woman, then?" asked Simon. "May the murrain strike me it I can call to mind aught about her." "It was La Blanche Rose, maid at the sign of tne Trois Corbeaux at Lim oges. Bless her pretty heart! Why, mon gar, I loved her." "So did a many," quoth Simon. "I call her to mind now. On the very day that we fought over the little hussy, she went off with Evan ap Rc'.I a long-legged Welsh dagsman. They have a hostel of their own now, some where on the banks of Garonne, where the landlord drinks so much of the liquor that there is little left for the customers." "So ends our quarrel, then," said Aylward, sheathing his sword. "A Welsh dagsman, I' faith! C' etait mau vais gout, camarade. and the more so when she had a jolly archer and a lusty man-at-arms to choose from." The old soldiers and Hordle John strode off together in all :ood-fellow ship. ' Alleyne had turned to follow them, when he felt a touch upon his shoulder, and found a young page by his side. "The Lord Loring commands," said the boy, "that you will follow me to the great chamber, and await him there." Up th'e broad steps Alleyne went, following his boyish guide, until at the folding oak doors the latter paused. and ushered him into the main hall of the castle. On entering the room the clerk look ed round; but, seeing no one, he con tinued to stand, his cap ir. his hand. examining with the greatest interest a chamber which was so different to any to which he was accustomed. Most interesting of all to Alleyne was a small ebony table at his very side, on which, by the side of a chess-board and the scattered chessmen, there lay an open manuscript written in a right clerkly hand, and set forth with brave flourishes and devices along the mar gins. In vain Alleyne bethought him of where he was and of those laws of good breeding and decorum which should restrain him; those colored can itals and black even lines drew his hand down to them, as the loadstone draws the needle, until, almost before he knew it, he was standing with the romance of Garin de Montglane before his eyes, so absorbed in its contents as to be completely oblivious of where he was and why he had dome there. He was brought back to himself, however, by a sudden little ripple of quick feminine laughter. Aghast, he dropped the manuscript among the chessmen and stared In bewilderment round the room. It was as empty and as still as ever. Again he stretched his hand out to the romance, and again came that roguish burst of tnerriinent. He looked up at the ceiling, back at the closed door, and round at the stiff folds of motionless tapestry. Of a sud den, however, he caught a quick shim mer f-om the corner of a high-backed bancal in front of him, and, shifting a pace of two to the side, saw a white. slender hand, which held a mirror of polished silver in such a way that the concealed observer could see without being een. He stood irresolute, un certain whether to advance or~ to take no notice; but, even as he hesitated. the mirror was whipped In, and a tall and stately young lady swept out from behind the oaken screen, with a danc ing light of mischief in het- eyes Alleyne started with astonishment as he recognized the very maiden who had suffered from his brother's vid lence In the forest. She no longer wore her g'ay riding-dress, however, but was attired In a long sweepin' robe of black velvet of Bruges, with delicate tracery of white lace at neck and at wrist, scarce to be seen against the ivory skin. Beautiful as she had seemed to him before, thelithe charm of her figure and the proud, free grace What Does * up Such Aboo In Holmes' next adventure, hi confronted by the cabalistic in "The Sign of the Fc These two. the first and best of the Si ing. bound elegantb;~ in a single big vol & Bros.' regular $1.50 linen imperial edi 50 C Here is a chance to get two of the mnos most beautifully printed and bound editio: FREE 'I IR B8 L can Be sure and use this Coupon, sending 50 HARPER & BROS., Fraz of her bearing were enhanced now by the rich simplicity of her attire. "Ah. you start." said she, with the same sidelong look of 'mischief, "and I cannot marvel at it. Didst not look to see the distressed damozel again. Ah, that I were a minstrel, that I might put it into rhyme, with the whole romance-the luckless maid the wicked socman, and the virtuous clerk! So might our fame have gone down together for all time, and you be num bered with Sir Percival or Sir Galahad, or all the other resouers of oppressed ladies." "What I did." said Alleyne. "was too small a thing for thanks: and yet, if I may say it without offence, it was too grave and near a matter for mirth and raillery. I had counted on my broth er's love, but God has willed that it should be otherwise. It is a joy to nie to see you again, lady, and to know that you have reached home in safety, if this be indeed your home." "Yes, in sooth, Castle Twynham is my home, and Sir Nigel Ioring my father. I should have told you so this morning. but you said that you were coming hither. so I bethought me that I might hold it back as a surprise to you. Oh, dear. but it was brave to see you:" she cried, bursting out -a-laugh ing once more, standing with her hand pressed to her side. and her half-closed eyes twinkling with amusement. "You drew back and came forward with your eyes upon my book there. like the mouse who sniffs the cheese and yet dreacs the trap." "I take shame." said Alleyne, "that I should have touched ft." "Nay, it warmed my very heart to see it. So glad was I that I laughed for very pleasure. My fine preacher can himself be tempted then, thought T: he is not made of another clay to the rest of us." "God help me! I am the weakest of the weak." groaned Alleyne. "I pray that I may have more strength!" "And to what end?" she asked sharp lv. "If you are, as I understand, to shut yourself forever in your cell with in the four walls of an abbey, then of what use would it be were lour prayer to be answered? Wilt dc. what I ask?" said she. "What Is it, lady?" 'Tis but to bear me out In what I say to my father."e "In what?" "In saying, if he ask. that it was south of the Christchurch road that I met you. I shall be shut up with the tire-women else. and have a week of spindle and bodkin. when I would fain be galloping Troubadour up Wilverley Walk, or loosing my little falcon Ro land at the Vinney Ridge herons" "I shall not answer him if he ask." "Not answer!. But he will have an answer. Nay, but you must not fail me, or it will go Ill with me." "But, lady,." cried poor Alleyne, in great distress, "how can I say that it was to the south of the road when I know well that it was four miles to the north?" "You will not say It?" "Surely you will not, too, when you know that it is not so?" "Oh. I weary of your preaching!" she cried, and swept away with a toss of her beautiful heae. ieaving Alleyne as cast down and ashamed as -though he had himself proposed some infam ous thing. She wan back again in an Instant, however, In another of her varying moods. "Look at that. my friend!" said she. "If you had been shut up In-abbey or in cell this day you could not have taught a wayward maiden- to abide by the truth. Is it not so? What avail is the shepherd if he leaves his sheep?" "A sorry shepherd:" said Allyene humbly. "But here is your noble father." "And you shall see how' worthy a pupil I am. Father, I am much be holden to this young clerk, who was of service to me and helped me this very morning In Minstead Woods four miles to the north of the Chrlstchurch road, where I had no call to be. you having ordered It oth'erwise." All this she teeled off -in a loud voice, and then glanced with sifieling questioning eyes at Alleyne for his approval. (Mo be Contiened Nert Week.) Synopsis of Prececing Chapters. The scenes of tle story are laid in the 14th century. nordle John. a Iay-brother of the Cistercian Mo n ter' %ber ob e Beulieu1ee1 from the monastery aafter beingr found guilty of Vertain serious chaives brought against him by a naraber of the monks. The same day. another of the la..relreh .of the rnonastery, Alleyne Edr-on~tske hs dturein accordance with a provision o'f his fter's will, de~gnating that he should, when he became twenty year" old. go forth for on0 year to choose for him I-elf his future calling. In sadness he wanders from the rannastery tovisit his brother, the Scuman of instead. whoae reputntlon is a mo't unsavory one. At nightfall Allewn sek shet-crin a rodsdeIn ad onh aoer jt i eck frm teFrenh was. and iadefesed Hedst joi the white~on pany. Alleyn fnds hai brnther In Hmntea d woods, quarrehn. gwth a beautiful dansel, whom he res .cs Hel !sher of his intentinto joi . his com parlons of the inn who are to fieht under Sir NIge! in thel"white com"nvn. On hearing thisahe laugh ingly leaves him without tefling her name. This Mean?' 7 e If these puzzling Sthings, roughly displayed in Fresh Blood >nl the wall of a house tre a great crime had nr committed, stared in the face, could you lain their meaning? was the problem which SHERLOCK. IOI.MEs had to solve in his first chronicled adventure l'he Study in Scarlet " k which made CONAN~ DOYLEthe first if detective writers in the world. ur" erlock Holmes novels, 300 pages of read ime in illuminated cloth board (Harper ion), sent postpaid with this coupon for E YS t intensely interesting of adventures in a a for just one-third price. andsoe&iC, copper photo-engravure of riock 1Holmese, printed on heaviest neitd paper, suitable for framing. cents in stamps. Coin or Money Order. kinl Sg~uare, N. Y. City.