Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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it <*??! >?i?'Kl. 1902. l>y THE UOWEN MEKKILL COMPANY "Yes, yes; but bnsto, haste!" Ho had taken n packet from his breast. "This. Much depends upon It. It must bo carried to Philadelphia and tbero given to Dr. Benjamin Franklin. You must tell him to hold It till called for." "I will carry It. Ho shall havo It from my own hands. I hear them on the porch. Tor my own sake go!" "Swear to me!" "I swear by all I love?by my love for you." "And you v. ill trust me?" "Always, always! Oh, can you wait while they take you?" "Kiss me!" "Ah"? Hi? straim tt her to him once and sprang toward the door through which Henry had tied. Hut as he reached it Jnrrat's form stood framed til the sash. His hand hold a pistol. At the same moment the room overflowed with men. "So Ik.," h.> smiled redly over white teeth. "Not SO Sprightly, *h? Well, the other bird has flowrz-curse those horses' pounding! -and we must bo content with you, I suppose. Lieuten ant, I put this conger eel In your care. An ho gets off as did Patrick Henry, some one shall suffer for It. Nay, mis tress, run not to him. Rather give mo the packet which the entertaining gen tleman gave into your care a moment since. 1 doubt not its contents will In terest us nil. It may even bold his pat ontof nobility." Anne's hands flew to her breast, and she shrank back as .Tarrat advanced upon her. "You rulllan!" raged Colonel Til lot sou, beside himself with anger. "An you or your bloody-backs lay linger on my niece"? "Heroics are misplaced, colonel," an swered .Tarrat curtly. "Will you give up that paper, mistress?" A quick light came to the girl's eyes, gazing past hi in. Fumbling in her dross, she drew forth the packet and hold It out. Hut as he extended an arm to seize it she drew back and hurled it over his head through the dining room door, where huddled Mammy Evnllue mid the rest of the kitchen servants In u shivering group. "Ponella!" she screamed. "Take it, Bonolln! Itunl Hide it! Run!" Tho redeinptloner woman swooped upon the packet and was away like a hare. "Clumsy fools!" foamed Jarrat as tho soldiers bungled at the door catch. "After her and bring her here!" Anno In tho reaction felt her gaze Upon Armand, erect between tho sol diers, swim with tears. How could ho stand so calm? And with the thought she felt a sudden shaino for her weak ness. "The wench has had her run," grum bled ono of the soldiers as they return ed with the redemptloner woman. "She hnsn't It on her. She's tucked it away somewhere." "I'll soon know where she's hidden It," stormed Jarrat. lie Interrogated her savagely. "No," she said brokenly, "I not tell." "Get a rawhide from tho stables and stretch her out there. She'll talk fast enough!" "You'll not lash her!" cried Anne, with trembling lips. Jarrat made no reply. When the sol dier returned with the rawhide others dragged the woman Into the center and stood waiting. The poor creature watch ed tho preparations with her face ash en and her black eyes darting rapidly hero and there. "Now," said Jarrat menacingly, "will you show where you hid that paper?" She was dumb. Once, twice, tho heavy thong de scended. At the first stroke she cow ed and cried out with pain. At the second a lino of red started through tho coarse oznabrig. Jarrat loaned nnd looked into hor face. "1 not tell you!" she wavered. "I'll have the king's law on you for this," tho colonel hurled between his teeth. Armand had remained quiet, but as the stroke fell twice again he trembled. The woman's lips were tight together. "No, no, no!" she said between them. "I not tell you! I not toll you?never!" "Curse her!" Jarrat gnashed furious ly. "Lay on, there, you! I say I'll havo it out of her!" Tho Wickler of tho rawhide paused to tuck up his sleeve. Tho men who bold her relaxed their hold for an in stant, nnd she sank down on the floor with closed eyes. "They will kill her!" sobbed Anne, clutching hor uncle's arm. "They will kill her!" "Stand her up again!" commanded Jarrat. Armand had grown very white. At Anne's sob he strained forward In the grasp of tho soldiers and cried: "Tell him I i command you to toll him!" The woman opened her eyes, looked nt him Bcnrchliigly and uncertainly! Iben smiled and tried to shake her bead. "I?not-?toll." They dragged her roughly up again, bill her legs would not support hor. She seemed not to hoar Jarrat's shout ed question In her oar. Ho looked at her swaying figure n moment, then In n smother of rage raised his pistol butt and brough 1 it clown heavily on hor temple. She fell like a log, nnd ho turned on bis held, cursing. "Let the drab go," he said sullenly, "nnd bring along tho other." They mounted, a trooper hitching bridles with Armand'a horse, and as Jnrral ?nve tho word they moved off In twos dOWIl tllO (lark drive. Tho light from the open door fell on tho trampled shrubbery, the glossy sputtered skins of the horses and on Armand's back Ward turned face. "Farewell, mademoiselle." Ann ? slipped from tho colonel's arms nnd sped after them. "Louis!" she called clearly. "Ronieniherl I believe! I trust and I love yon!" 'Cod keep \?t;ii always!" he respond ed, and as they swept into the black Bkesnw Jarrnt ride close nnd strike him ncro38 the mouth with his gloved hand. _ CHAPTER XIV. pjrvTm,Ani:r.i?TriA city n little be jiJ'l fore midsummer, 1770. The old I jj j Quaker (pilot |r gone. Now n ' strange spirit of excitement p.-Mvade.i lt. n subtle electricity that tou. !:? s all filings with expectancy. I, tlip Ul i. k Hoar nnd Indian I the London Coffee House, n taproom wiseacres, nud ! ?> Jownfoik loiter along the I Y\\va: m evenings to view I the great men come to attend tll? most honorable congress sitting in tho state i10u8c, They have bocu tho Chuties town packet bring tho delegates from South Carolina. Every cltlxen who can muster n horse has ridden out t-> moot the delegates from Virginia, Maryland and Delaware who arrived til a body. They have seen them nil, bave com pared them with one another. On High strei t stands the great man sion of It lehn rd Ponn, one of tho pro prietaries. It is now thrown open for the entertainment of the visitors. Up and down the dusty street pass ami repass earnest men in dull coats and small clothes, workmen in ozmibrlg and leather aprons and tradesmen In course cloth. They pause In knots on the pave and talk, each by Ills kind. One house they pass many times, looking at it with more eager curiosity and concern. This building is even less pretentious than its fellows, hut one who observes it long will have noted that those who pass In and out of its door lend it a peculiar distinction. They come in velvet instead of cloth, their sleeves droop with lace. They wear powdered hair and diamond buckles ami for the most part carry dress swords. The house is occupied as a shop, and the silver plate on the door bears the name of ".lames Randolph." It Is the headquarters of tho Virginia delcga tlons. To Henry, chafing In his Virginia harness, how slowly the ball had rolled ninong the conventions! How halting went the lenders! Messengers riding posthaste brought him the news from Philadelphia. Congress had recommended that the several colonies form distinct govern ments for themselves. And even to this the delegates of New York and Pennsylvania bad loud objection, lien rj' gnashed Ids teeth in tlie convention at Wllllnmsburg, and on May 13 a resolution was passed directing the Virginia delegates in Philadelphia to "declare the united colonies free an 1 Independent states." A significant word! It lehn rd Henry Lee followed in June with his resolu tion for Independence. l'.ut alas for human failing! Many of the delegates, Dickinson, Mortis, Livingston, wcro men of property, and the possession of property enlarges the hump of caution. They cried lor de lay. The older Quakers, men of p ?oce. had set their fates and their faith against rebellion. New York was milk and water. There had been the failure of the Canadian expedition, and, besides, the province had its exposed harbor and the Indian raids on Its frontier to think of. The Pennsylvania delegation refused to vote on separation and left their seats In anger. Maryland had few griev ances. And what of New Jersey? There was Toryism Intrenched. Its royal governor, tho son of the benevolent faced patriot, Benjamin Franklin, went breathing tiro against the Whigs. Not till he had been shipped to Connecti cut in irons, not till congress had sent three of its memhers to argue, to plead, to storm, did its assembly de clare for freedom. Think not that those who hesitated were not men of honor, jealous for tho welfare of their country. Kot every one believed CJcorgO III. another such despot as Philip II. of Spain or the bloody minded man the radicals illib erally called him. The storm was high on tho horizon. And it is the part of wisdom to count well the cost of desperate ventures. Against the colonies was pitted the mistress of the seas-a king, innumerable battalions, armament, navies, money and the prestige of hereditary possession. The colonies stood alone. There were those who, like Henry, whose clear eye saw the future as with divination, pinned faith upon Gallic enmity to England and looked for a sign of aid. Hut the months came and went without it.', appearance. Now the Third congress was sitting, and France was silent. Granted a defiance to Great Britain, tho outcome was doubt ful?how doubtful five red years of smoke and blood were to demonstrate. As the pendulum vibrated a British fleet In the Delaware brought tho war within hearing, and I/ord Howe hove to off Sandy Hook with nil bis army. The congress was, after all, a minia ture of tho country, It laid a Tory party who awaited some disaster to become dangerous. It held faint hearts who croaked, despondent ones who predicted ruin and brave hearts that dared a struggle they believed would be uncertain. On such a field for twenty-five long days a determined battle was fought, it ended at last, and one evening Thomas Jefferson of Virginia betook himself to a little house back of nn oblong green, where lived Dr. Franklin, and wrote the first draft of the Declaration of In dependence. There comes n time in the history of every great movement when It must go forward or die. Lethargy breeds reac tion. The fierce fight for a Declaration hntl marked this point now. In the three days since the vote tin; opposition had gathered its shattered forces. There were new multcrlngs, and the little Virginian delegation In tho simp of Mr. James Randolph on High street knew that the definnee Which was to be offered on the morrow, if It were to be signed at nil, must bo signed quickly. So out of a humid morn|ng grew the nfternoon of the 3d of July Tor Phila delphia. H came in heat, with a brazen sky. Opposite Mr. Randolph's simp on the same evening Joseph Calloway, the lawyer, walking slowly, paused and looked nci'OSfl I he street. He was thick Set and middle aged, with a smooth, crafty face and restless eyes. lie had lacked Whig patriotism in the First congress. The Second would have none of him. And yet he had ear lier led the popular parly again/.) the proprietary. Such strange ovcrturnlngs the new Idea of freedom was bringing about. The fierce Tory rancor which had made of this mnn at first "the de fender of the prerogative" was to con vert him later into n spy, a refugee and u sour pensioner of OcorgO III. NOW, there was the open hatred of a bitter Tory in the look Joseph Galloway cost Upon the little shop. "Good day, Mordeenl," he said in greeting to a rotund merchant Quaker who Joined him. "I see you also look ing. What think you our Virginia hot bloods will brew next In their den yon der V The Quaker frowned. "I love theiu not," bo answered. "What salth tho Scriptures? 'For the weapons of our warfare are not car n?h hut mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.' " "Gentlemen of birth and wealth, for sooth," continued Galloway angrily, "and yet prating like Hie veriest clouts of Independence nnd brotherhood! WbOSO was the bill to separate from Great Britain? Richard Henry Leo's. And who baa written tho Declaration that Is to be thrust beneath the dele gates' noses tomorrow? Thomas Jeffer son. These Vltglnlans! Would we had never heard of Virginia before we came to this! "Look you"? lie broke off and pointed with his stick where a coach bowled along High street. It was rich ly furnished and bore arms on its pan els. On the cushions, exquisitely dress ed in a white uniform, 'sat a blocky, military looking man with bushy wig and foreign mustuchlos. He wore a cocked hat. '"Tis M. rilnme," said the Quaker. "These Kreuch parasites with powder to peddle, Friend Joseph, would Joy to see tho colonies plunged Into bloody strife. They would batten on our ex tremity, 'for wheresoever the carcass is, there the eagles be gathered together.'" 'Trench officers!'1 ejaculated Gallo way. "Aye, or adventurers! As like to be one as another. Mayhap M. 1MI arne goes to seo the precious envoy whose ncwcomlng the town gapes about." "Ho Is to be received?" "Tomorrow afternoon. 'Tis an open secret. Notice was sent the house this morning." " 'Twos averred in the street but now Unit he is come from Louis XVI." "Let them Jabber!" grumbled Gallo way. "Little store Is to be set by theso One envoys. I mind ine when the Frenchman came to the congress last November. You heard of that, may hap. There was the same excitement; n committee appointed, too, I remem ber. John Jay was upon it. They met the personage in a room In Carpenter's hull, and what think you they found? Why, a little old frog cater with a club foot, who when they asked him for his authority drew his hand across his throat, nnd says he, 'Gentlemen, I shall tako care of my head!' That was all they could got out of him. Some Imbe cile belike. And even then there were those who saw great signs in It. A pest on all such, say I!" The Quaker shook his head doubtful ly. "Yet there Is much hoped for from this present message," ho said. "I heard U on good authority some months ago that a French marquis was to come hither. 'Twos said Benjamin Franklin had written of the matter from Lon don. Mayhap this Is tho same." "Bosh!" sniffed Galloway. "'Tis ab surd, I say, the faith that is put In such a vain and empty hope! I do know that half the delegates havo some such folly in their heads. The Declaration Is to be offered for signing tomorrow, and, look you, it Is in tho minds of some members to retard action upon it, hop lug such a message from France may holster faint hearts." "Thou dost not think they will sign, then?" "God forbid!" rejoined Galioway fer vently. "I cannot believe wo are so near madness as that. And yet I would that untight had been heard of a mes sage from Franco. Mcthlnks tomorrow will be warm. Good night to you, Mor dccnl." As the two friends talked tho chimes had clangored from Christ church, and just as the tones sounded a stout trunched old man with a shrewd, sim ple face under n broad bat lifted the latch of a nearby gate which barred an oblong green yard from the street. Therein under a mulberry tree whore yellow cabbage butterflies went kiss illg wings a chubby woman was sit ting by a table whereon stood, some books and n glass bottle containing a two headed snake in spirits. Two tousled children rolled ami romped UU hooded under foot. The film of twi light was falling from a cooling sky. "You are late, father," the woman said as the old man greeted her. "Sup per is almost ready, Young Mi'. Jef ferson has sent word that he will be here this evening. I do hope," she add ed good tin tu redly, "that you won't sit up all night again over that tiresome paper ho is writing. Laws! One would think It had been a real speech." She ran to fetch a dish of tea. and her father snt down in his chair and took off his hat. His head was bald, With a fringe of white hair. He was mopping his forehead with a large kerchief when she returned with tin tea. "Bless nie'." she said as the gale clicked. "Here is some one to SCO you already. A young man ami handsome," she whispered, as he came nearer, "but how pah !" It. was Armand. "Is this Dr. Franklin?" he Inquired. "It Is." "Sir," said Armand, "a packet was given secretly into your hands to hold for me some time since, sealed wllh w red seal bearing four lances." Dr. Franklin drew his brows together With a glance of surprise and shook hit! head "Surely you have received it':" There was a curious rigor of anxiety in the loue that caused Dr. Franklin to glance sharply at his questioner. Tho scrutiny satisfied him, for the look of suspicion that had boon stiffened by the strenuous times faded Into his habitual bollCVOlcnco. "I recall none? such," ho answered grave ly. "What name did It bear?'' "It boi'O no name." Tho tone shook now with a confusion of apprehension. "I fear that is all (ho more reason that I could not have forgot it. These are troublous days, sir, and faith not always to bo relied upon. To whom did you Intrust this document?" Something llko fear had come Into the other's eyes, and Dr. Franklin for the first time noted with concern his agitation ami pallor. "To a .voting lady of Virginia." "I am sorry, sir, deeply sorry," said the old man, "but no such packet has been put Into my bands at any time." "I'oor young man!" sighed tho moth erly woman a few 111 I till 10H later as she sot the table for BUppoi*. "What think you could have been in it, father? He looked as If It had in ??ant lifo or death to him." Armand walked slowly through sev eral side streets to the Fed Lion tuV orn, on Sassafras street, 0110 of tin? loss pretentious ini!<. Here In a dim parlor on the ground floor waited (ho occu pant of IhO lino conch which had rous, d the spleen of .lox ph Galloway. His hat was Hung on a chair, {H'O jio strode tqi and down, his inustiiehloS brlstllntj with Impatience. As Armand entored ho embraced hi.r? effusively in (ho French fashion. "All goes well," ho cried. "I havo, boon discreet and havo done all you In-? StrUCtcd. The congress has named throo members to rec< Ivo you tomorrow, at l o'clock. Vontrobloul With '.no Declaration hanging fire you may be lh-ve how eager they uro. I Mtty* brought your clothes too. Nom <l? Dlou!" ho exclaimed, holdlDg Annnnd's arms nffeetlonntoly. "To know you woro in n British prison! Thank God you escaped their clutches, und Just la the nick of time too! You shall tell tu? about It one day." "PHn'rue!" Arinaud broko In upon the other's chatter. 'T'llarnc! Tho letterl I have not got It" "Not got It?" Pllnrno repeated in amazed surprise. "No. I sent it here to Philadelphia tfl Dr. Franklin. I did not toll you this, since I expected to Ibid it here. Well, 1 have seen Dr. Franklin, and it has no! been delivered." rilnrno's face was a study of dis may. "And what will you do?" Armand bad no tlmo to reply, for at that moment there eamo a knock at the door, and It opened. Instantly lMlarnc bent low In a se ries of bow:s to Armand. "Accept my most profound snluta< tlons, monselgneur," ho said In tone* of elaborate ceremony. "I sholl b< pleased to accompany you on your dis tinguished errand tomorrow after noon." "AT. Pliiirno." sold Armand easily, "this is my good friend, Captain Jar rat. Au rovolr, monsieur?jusqu'au matin!" CHAPTER XV. ^ORE than one along tho south road that sultry moruing ol July -1 turned to gaze after a fair haired girl who passed up on a load-white horse, with a negro boy behind her astride a sorrel. Yellow dust splotched Anne's olive cloak as she rode Into the town, and yellow dusi clung to John the Baptist's wool. How many leagues? She would have been worn but for the purpose that buoyed her up. She rode some way, paying as little heed to the sparse groups along the streets or to the few painted Indians lounging with their peltry in the squares as to tho beetle browed roofs or tho wooden statuary In the pretentious yards. Her thoughts were busy with the past. They Hew back to that night at Olnddcn Hall, her last view of Armand, when JtU'rat'S troopers had dragged him away; to the Might of Dunmore and his family, his wanton burning of Nor folk with his rabble of runaway slaves, and tho last tight at (Swyn's island, whence the impotent earl, with his bru tal aid. Captain Foy, sailed away ti the north, never again to set foot upoi Virginian soil; to her anguished wonder as to Ar maud's fate meanwhile. Even Henry's return from the Second eon gross, the news that Colonel Washing ton hud boon elected commander in chief of colonial forces and the glori ous outcome of his long siege of Boston had not been able t ) cheer her. Shu thought of the long hours she luul watched by the bedside of the bondwoman with grave faced Dr. Cralk Weiching her slow return to life; of Iho still longer days when she had >.u by the listless llguro vho only it red leaden eyed and with bralu pltc !y dulled to hear asked over and over again with desperate earnestness 'hat same question, "Whore is it? ..::'t you : member?"?a question met uIwkj i with the same result; of the ting, fruitless >. aieh, the unreasoning '.' lh i ; him (hut would net yield to re ?r a >g:im< -.'t. and dually the lucky Ideal whh h had given her tho clew lo !!..? pac-kel'a hiding place. She had started the selfsame day, tul I.n the Baptist with her. leav ing a hurried incssago for her uncle and mint, who were then away In Rich ix ml And ihla, the twelfth day there after, found her at her Journey's e. d rldln ; in'.? the Wide, dean thorough fares of Phil tdclphlu. ?'M:s' Annie" .lohn the Baptist's sol ?nilt drawl broke her reverie "dat .val id hoy at de ph'.CO whar WO stayed las' night say doc gwinter mek ev'ybody i kal. Do dttt menu we niggers gwine lor bo white Ink you, or Is y'ull gwine lor be black Ink mo?" Rul Anno had no answer. Going I- ward High street, her course lay by the open green on which the new stateliouso fronted. She noticed that the pavements were almost deserted and found herself thinking wondering ly that the streets of Itichmoud were noisier. It was with n start of surprise that on turning a corner by the green she /lulled up Without warning on the skirts of a great hushed crowd, well ordered, moving restlessly under tree that shrilled with locusts. Most of those nearer the front wore gentry. They walked back and forth slowly, trampling the blue thistles and whortleberry bushes. Next them was a stratum of the trading and working classes. No wonder Iho wealthier mer chants jeered them, for they wore trou sers of coarse drill, even leather jcr : kins, and some carried tools. Here w as a group of weavers from (icrmantnwn, and not far away a knot of Swedes from Wlcaeoo. The older men among these wore leggings and skin coals. On the outskirts of all, here and there, holding themselves aloof, walked state lier, heavier figures In small clothes of rich velvets and satins and wearing powdered wigs. They carried irritable looks, these "Pennsylvania lords," as tho bitter Ad ams called them. It was bad weather for Tories. From the yard of Clarke's Inn, across Iho street, they looked askance at the workmen, passing sneer ing allusions to the representatives from Massachusetts, angered at the assump tion of legislative powers by men clear ly of more bumble blood than them selves. They saw the cannon in position by the statehouse and Cue Continental Hags Muttering from tho shipping in the har bor. They knew that In the nearby WOOdfl live battalions of Assoelaters, drilled otld armed, were awaiting any outcome. They knew that the people were ready, If only their loaders should choose. AnilO upon her 11 red horse looked with Wonder at this earnest, quiet crowd and thrilled with a new sense of the dignity of iho assemblage within IllOSt! brick walls. The heat was situ morlllg, and sho had thrown open the thin cloak He- wore, showing a Mash of crimson waist with a sheen of metal I buttons. Mordccal Floyd, looking on near by, gazed on her with pursed lips. "Small wonder," he said grimly, "that unrighteousness doth overwhelm the children of the world and move tin in to wrath when we see oil about us the testimony of undenlnl I.nst of the eye, Friend Joseph; lust of the eye!'' Joseph (Jailoway, standing by him, looked at (ho girl, so straight and young and bright luted; then his crafty look returned. "Consider the lilies of the Hold," he quoted with unction as he look snuff. "I donhl not," pursued tho Quaker, Wagging his pow, "'twas designed to Cjtet a Blur UpOlt tic sanity of apparel si.ice '|ls a thing of so little estimation in '.ho sight of (bid (hat he llCStOWS It 111 the high) si degree upon tho meanest of his creatures. "I is to bo presumed that, were It a thing of Worth in 11 l< If, Instead of bestowing colors, gildings nnd broideries upon lullps.Jho bad "be stowed them upon creatures of higher dignity. To mankind bo hath given but sparingly of gaudy features, a great part of them being black, a great part of them being tawny and a great part being of other wan and dusky complex Iouh, showing that 'tis not the outward adornment that he wishes, hut tho ap pearing in supplication for tho orna menting of the Spirit." "Even Solomon In all his glory was not arrayed like one of thescl" lntoucd his companion smoothly. "But I must be going, Mordecnl. I have an errand at the tavern." "Hast thou heard aught more of tho message to tho congress from France?" the Quaker Inquired in a low voice ns he clasped the other's fervid palm. Galloway put his Hps closer to the other's ear, nnd a glutinous chucklo shook his jowl. "Mordccol," bo sold, "1 dreamed last night that France had an ax to grind. Wouldn't it be curious if the messuge didn't tickle the congress so much after all? Ho, ho!" Anne's first Inquiry provoked a smile from the bystanders. Dr. Franklin? Yes, lie was doubtless in the hall, but to see him! Quite Impossible! And a lady too. At a recess she might suc ceed, but not now. Who could tell but he was on the Moor nt that moment? So she rode on. At High street oho Inquired for an inn, ns she had been In the saddle since dawn and the horses wei'o Jaded. Learning that the prin cipal ones were all full owing to the presence of the delegates, she found her way to one of the more humble hostelrles on another Btreet. It was the Red Lion tavern. The place seemed well nigh deserted. Had she known the significance of this day's sitting of the congress the would have understood. As It was, finding no host In evidence, she went Into the parlor and sat down to nwnlt his ap pearance. And, sitting so, from tho hall and coming nearer she hoard the well re membered voice of Jarrat. A panic seized her. The packet?It was In the llniug of hor cloak at that moment. Ho must not sec herl She looked wildly about hor, but there was no door of escape. In desperation she ran to the deep set window. It was sind, but there were shalloon curtains across the alcove, and she shrank bc hlud them as the door Hew open. Jarrat came In noisily. One of the Inn servants wns nt his heels. "I would speak with inonsolgneur," he said. "Bequest him to be so good ns to honor me here." He stood smiling redly as the servant wont, and Anno watched him from between the cur tains with fascinated gaze. "At lost!" he muttered. "The final stroke, and still all goes well. If Ar mand succeeds for us, then advance ment and favor for mo. The king must reward me, for the plan was mine alone." "Armand!" Anne's heart had given a groat leap. Jarrat know whore he was, what he did. "If ho succeeds for us." What meant those strange words? Again a step in the hall, again the door opened, a scraping servant said, "Monsclgncur," ami again Anne's heart leaped, for tho man who stood on the threshold clad in a full costume of pur ple velvet was Armand. Armand, but sparer of feature, with shadows be neath the eyes. Yet they looked out with all their old nobility and with a strange fire. She know now whore she had seen that fire it was in Henry's face -the fire of steadfast purpose that knows no quenching. Armand! Escaped from DunmotvV clutches, safe and in Philadelphia! She wanted to rush out to him, to cry to him that she had done the host she COUld, had come to fulfill her promise at last. But what did ho with Jarrat? "So!" the latter said. "As bravely trimmed ns ever, "fls the dress of a prince." "My good IMlarno hns tho host of taste." On Armnnd's face was a strange smile. "You have cozened him beautifully. I doubt not ho expects reimbursement f rom his king." "My king," corrected Armand softly. "Keep It up," laughed Jarrat. " "Pis never forgetting makes a good play actor. Faith, It minds me of the old Virginia days. Then you posed ns only a marquis. We rise in the world. Yes terday in a prison coll at Halifax, to day this little plan, release, and, presto, behold Louis' secret envoy. Well, you are near to the purchase of your par don. The time Is almost here. A half hour more and you will enter tho state house. You lack not assurance. Hero Is tho letter you will deliver to tho con gross." Armand took the paper he handed him and put it In his breast. " 'Tis signed with De Vergeunes' name, of course," went on .Tarrat, "and 'tis a clever enough forgery to trick oven Poor Richard for the time being. Aid in return for territorial compensa tion-now If 'twero only Louis XV! 'Twould be like the old skinflint. Me thinks 'twill bo a wet blanket to allay this fever for a Declaration. 'Twill Btlflico to tide over till these patriot nddlo pates come to their senses." Anne's mind was In a clamor, a hide ous, unmeaning clamor of surprises, from which a single fact stood out with tho clearness of a black silhouette etch ed on white paper ? Armand, not es caped, but released?released--going be fore the congress with a lying message, a message of discouragement?going now, this very hour, nnd tho plot wns Jarrat's. It was for a single heart beat as If the sun were darkened, ns If all Joy wer? blotted from tho universe. Then, peer ing out, she saw his eyes, nnd tho bit tor scone nt Gladden Hall roso to hor like n vision. She saw him dragged nwny, and with the vision Bhc felt strong, triumphant?tho terrible, joyful rebellion of her own belief In him that would not doubt. "I could not havo devised It better myself." Jarrat wns speaking again. "There is not a soul in congress who could recognize you ns tho Louts Ar mand seized at Wllllainsburg. Luckily, Henry Is In tho Virginia convention. The devil holds enrds with us." "And this," said Armand, ns If to himself, "has boon tho devil's denl." "Aye! But 'tis time for us to stnrt. Pllnrno will be there by now." He con sulted his watch. "Ton minutes to ride thither. I have horses nt the door. I shall go with you ns ono of your suit. Luckily, I shall not be known. I must not miss the delight of recounting this Interesting event In detail lu Virginia. Can you guess," with a malign smile, "to whom in ospcclnl, monselgneur?" A red flush leaped into Armand's cheek, and his teeth dim hod convul sively. It was ns if n gront wave of passion lashed the man nnd left him tonso and white. His tone, however, re mained ns low as ever. "You hound!" he said. "You prowl Ing wolf of the dark, who know no Iruth, no trust, no faith; who, being vile, think all else vile tho same! Thank God that to that ono - to her?my honor was always unstained! Sho believe you? No! Never! I go alone to the congress! You go no farther with.?msC A fttcinl contortion drew Jnrrat's Hps from his teeth. Ho stood in a leaning posture, his knuckles flat'"upon tho ta ble between them, a thriving suspicion In his look. A lit of shuddering seized Anuo as she saw this look change swift ly to conviction?certainty in which rage and shame und hate were black. "I go no farther?'' ho repeated. "What say you? Oh, fool, fool that I was to trust you! You have tricked mo I You nover Intended to do It! You will not go?aye, you would go, but wherefore?" His volco had sunk to a metallic dull noes, and ho eyed the other, breathing hard. Now his touo leaped again: "I know! The French king hud bis own mind I He sent your master a message to con vey, a message of comfort. Ah, your face soys, 'Aye!' 'Twos in tho packet you gave to Mistress Tillolson at Glad den Hall! Curso that bondwoman! You have got It! Now that you are false to us, 'tis that message that mes sago that you would give the congress! And 'twas I brought you from the Jail ?I!" Tho last words were a sort of horrible rasping whisper, and as lie spoke he came slowly around tho table, his lin gers clawing its edge. "But you shall not! You double trai tor! You shall not go! I know you?I alone! 1 will prevent It!" "You shall never leave this room," said Armand. Crouched low, holding the shalloon edges, Anne saw it all, the breath fro zen In her throat ?saw both blade;; clung out with a single movement, saw Jnrrat hurl himself forward, heard the iteol meet. Mixed Joy and horror held her. She understood. Ho had cherished his master's purpose nil along, pursued by treachery, meeting cunning with cunning, constrained to deception. It was the true message of the French king that she closped at that moment under her cloak. To carry this ho had won his way from the hands of bis Gli ndes and fooled Jnrrnt to his purpose. And now without tho packet his voice Would give the message to the congress. She had brought it Just in time. All this came to her at once in a suc cession of pictures vivid as patches of night landscape seen by violet lightning and at an instant when horror over rolled her joy. Tho street, tho taproom, wore .so near. Would none come to slop them? She feared to declare herself, for a start, a tremor of the hand, might mean death to her lover. She saw the quick end, powerless to utter a cry. Armand stiffened sudden ly, his left hand fallen low. Ills blado passed like a needle in sailcloth through the other's body, and Jnrrat slipped in a huddle to the floor and lay stiil. Anne tried to scream, but her throat only gnve forth a whisper. Not till Armand had sheathed his wet sword and the door had closed upon him did she find strength to part the curtains. She looked upon the prostl'ttlo man in a terror. She must summon help ami then take the packet to Armand. Sho realized suddenly that Jnrrat was not dend; that ids eyes were upon las-; that he was struggling to a silting posture. "You saw?you heard!'' he gasped. "You!" "Yes," she breathed. "You brought him the packet! My God I To think 1 never suspected! And he bus gone?gone"? "To Ids honor." Ho stnred nt her, n slow, ghastly smile coming to wreathe bis Hps. "Hon or? Say you so? Wall!" Ho made an attempt to unbutton hlH waistcoat. "Tho paper in this pocket!" he groaned. "Take it and read. Quick! Quick! Nay, call no one! Men bleed not to death so soon!" She unfolded the scroll with shaking fingers and read: I, Louis Armand, released from, durance In Halifax, under spcolul Uistrttotlon from hla majesty's ?ovornment tout hing tha Continental congress, do ngroo lliat, In the event Mint I do not carry out Ihld mission, ns ordered, I hold mytUlf< forfeit nod pledge my honor wiithhi *ono ni l111 this hereafter to dcllvor my?d!f t<> Lord Chetwynde, whoso custody i ivvw leave. ARMAND. She caught her breath. "Do pledge my honor to deliver myscflf"?"to hold my life forfeit." Ho had chosen to give Ids life to carry the true message. Ills life! How dear that was to her! He must not do it! Oll, 1C God would only help her to thlivk! Ho must not do it! She heard .la mil's breathing through it all and felt his eyes, filming, upon her. A heavy knocking came at the door, and Joseph Galloway entered, bis stiel: In ids hand. Ho made an extenuation ns be saw and threw up his lutieds. "Galloway!" said tho wounded man, his breath rattling with n convulsion as the other bent over him. "] lo I-1 false to us. Armand he is false! IJhi ?^-dld this. He is gone? to the congress, You must stop him!" "Yes, yes. i will call a leech. 'Tin not a mortal thrust, man. I will ;:-<> t<i the ball, hut how to do It? Proofs"? "She" - gasped Jnrrat in a final ef fort, pointing to Anne. "She" and lapsed Jnto ashen unconsciousness. CHAPTER XVI. mill'] while walled, high Coifed an teroom was barely furnished with paduasoy chairs and n small slim legged table. A high j desk used hotlines by the colony's chief ' Justice of the supreme court was at one end, with doors on cither side. The oili er end of the room opened In narrow arches between pillars Into lite wide paved hall of the stnlehousc. At ro> these pillars was stretched a heavy clotli curtain, through whose fold.-j sounds from tho corridor reached dull and mulllcd. LJoyond these curtains on the opposil ? [ side of the hall was a great dotlblo door, and through the heavy oak came voices In-debate and on occasional Id] h note like the metallic rap of a I. hut In the anteroom this became only n distant hum like that of settling hoe Annuml, clad as for a court lovce, Stood one side creel and sini!i:i ; before u trio of sober coated figures in dufllo gray. His long, brown, tippling hair, tllO rare lace at his throat, the jade hilt of bis dros/j sword, modo hint ns dis tinct ns BOino brilliant lined lltsocl among gray moths. Hcsldo him, mil formed, his mustachios aggressive as ever, short, wiry and alert, stood PJb nrno. The sober coaled gent lernen, the dele gates appointed to moot tho i ? longei' to Uiu congress, bail mudo iholr bows to Che great man, all but Dickin son, their leader, openly radiant with the presumed hearing of Iii-; in. M. Pllarno's proposals for ammunition purchases; had recently been considered iutconnnjttee,..and the announcement t?f tlm envoy's arrival, coining from him, a known agent.of Franco, had carried I ntweighi addedito by the appearance of I tbo man before Ihoill, lie had arrived. a little late, a dellberatcncss thai ac corded well with the sobriety of his er rand. Now they but waited o pause in tl, I debato to tltrow wido tho doors thai I openabto thc\lloor. "Oh tbo other sklo of those doors rages i what Is to ho tho hist agitated hour of the fight. The document that Is to ho tho birth certificate of a nation lies up on tho table. Since early morning tho discussion has boon bitter. Tho Insect hum ceased suddenly. Thero was a forward movement of the group in the anteroom toward the cur tulu.s. "Slop!" echoed an lntenso voice be hind them. "Stop!" Joseph Galloway slopped Into the room from ono of tho side entrances ami closed tho door. "Praise the Most High," he ejaculat ed, "that 1 am come in time! Gentle men, as you would save the congress from a most shameful scandal, let not that man pass from this room I" There was a murmur of angry amaze ment fruin the group, Armani I s hand dropped to his side. Ills face had whit ened, and Pllarne'8 mustachlos worked alarmingly. "Sir," Interposed Dickinson sternly, "we receive bore a legato of France!" "You receive an impostor, a villain and a spy!" PI larno's band wont to his sword, but Dickinson stepped before him, while the others stood stock still, blank ness in their bearing. "An Insult!/' cried the former. "And i to tho very face of monsolgneurl Gen tlemen, you havo cause enough to know the politics of this meddler who has forced his way into this presence." "I am an honest man," retorted Gallo way. "My errand here should demon strate that. And what I say I prove." "I know not whether we should lis ten, sir," said Dickinson, his brows to gether. "Heaven forbid that wo should affront such a guest. Yet the words you have uttered demand, for his ex cellency's satisfaction at least, an ex planation. In his name, then, speak, but quickly and begone." Dickinson was a diplomat. "I shall bo brief," returned Galloway. "This man, whom you believe n French nobleman, is Ixmls Armand, oil adven turer lately arrested in Virginia, now in the secret service of tho British. Tho message he bears is a forgery convey ing the offer of aid only on impossible conditions calculated to discourage hope and quench the fervor for Independ I once." A low exclamation that was very like an objurgation burst from Dickinson's lips, and his eyes Hashed first on the speaker and then upon Armand. The color was come back to tho young ; Frenchman's fate. "In my own country, gentlemen," he ' laughed, "we have asllos for such poor miserables. However?-my reputation, , bow dear it Is to me! You will proceed, : I beg." It was admirably done. A quaver of i relief spread abroad. "The document in the case," said Gal loway and handed Dickinson the writ ing executed by Lord Cholwynde at the Halifax prison; "an agreement duly I signed accepting this traitorous mis sion." Having delivered it over, he rubbed his hands together softly. "An arrant COllCOClloil, to be sure!" railed Pllnrnc, "What could bo easier .' A signature? Of course, of course. Put j i his?zounds! Such effrontery passes ' belief. 'An adventurer arrested In Vir- ! glultl,' forsooth? Wert ever in Virginia, you Tory V" "No," answered Galloway coolly. A heavy reverberating voice, passion thrilled, boomed through the door be yond tho curtains, and the sound of hand clapping followed It in a far, vel vet tumult. " "J is tho Declaration!" exclaimed PlinrilC. "Tho Declaration! 'Tis be fore them for signatures. They will decide in an hour. And you listen te this smug poltroon!" The sweat broke upon Dickinson's ' forehead. Through all these months, by voice and pen. ho bad striven to in cite the colonies to mutiny. Yet hi; had recoiled from Jefferson's hold resolution to sever from the crown. ItOSTSrhuco he had preached, not secession. And yet ?and yet - lie turned to Armand. "Tho contents of your message," he said ? "SO much depends, if? "Sir!" Armand stopped him sharp . ly. "What I bear is for the congress!" "In God's name, then, who and what are you?" "A messenger of the French king!" Silence fell. Through it Joseph Gal loway's unctuous voice spread softly. I "Gentlemen, 1 have a conclusive wit j U0SS. One moment I" He passed through tic side door and : an Instant later entered, hading Anne. I All eyes were turned upon tllClll. ! "'Tis Mistress Tlllolsoil!" One of tbo committee, who had hitherto kept I silence, was speaking. "A lady of Vir ginia, gentlemen, whom 1 do know loyal and worthy of all credence." She did nol dnro to look about her. She stood, white, piteous, The quiet 1 was unbearable. The oily voice broke It. "Look upon i this man. is he or is ho not Louis Ar ' innnd, lately seized in Virginia for rep resenting himself a French nobleman?" She turned her eyes an instant to ' him and saw bis face deadly pale, his eyes terrible, stal ing at her. "He is," she answered In a scarce audible tone. "You received this paper from the hands of an officer in tho British serv ice'.' Ami recognize the signature as ' that of this mail?" "Yes." The questions wore pitiless. Tiler limbs woro falling her, and she [ ci light at the jamb of the door. If slu> only dared look at him! Would , Claw never lot her go? The hypocrisy hi thoso I'OUlldcd, smooth syllables! V\ civ they framing thanks? "For her l btyaJty," "her courage," "at a moment \ ?hen a matter of great Import trem b M in the halnncol" "Thiough!" The sharp, strained tolio ?? ?1 Dickinson was a relief. "The lady , i: ^fatigued." Then the cooler air of the outer hall f lOQotodier face, and tho falling curtain i lint away from her that dreadful i ocm, the torturing voice, tbo dllfilo i- ray r.nen and among Hu m all that si 1 out, 0|?CUSlng face, those eyes suddenly Rtinkcrt round with pain - Armand, ?whom si'io loved and had betrayed! As thi> door closed behind her Ar < icjand dropped into a chair and burled his face It n,his hands. ! "And no \v, gentlemen," finished Gal i Ioway, illrOhl? again into tho room, "will yon lot Ibis unspeakable villain pass UlOSO doers now?" "Sir," pr<ttCi4cd Plinrne, appealing to Dickinson- "sir, gentlemen, a monstrous error is bei tig mndb. A coll of clrcuni slmico has vi icon cunningly wove, to ex plain which\ there,1s no lime; nor, may hap now, wot dd you credit it. Hut as an officer of thoMPrt ach army, as a chovn Her, ns a French gorOcmait, i lay my oath upon Uie*lrr,togrJty ofc this mission ami of this mnnV' Hut ho know'?astho apoko that what he said wan futile. Josouh Galloway had crossed the room behind Arni.u td's chair' and now, with a quick movenuonr, readying from behind, thrust bis bund Into Kfco young ; man's breast and drmv forth (hi forged parchment. I "Document numiter two," fto said, 1 tossing It upon the.ti?bIo? AvmiVA'd bad sprung to Iiis foot, his head thrown blgli, a tiger glonm In his eyes. "Canaille!" crled-Plinrno. Dickinson's eye overran tho writing. "Send for tho guards I" ho said In a choked voice. "A fllo to seize blini" And Joseph fjalloway went out In haste. - At tbo word a fury of passion seem ed to capture Armand. Those nenr him fell back. Ills dress sword Hashed out and drew n burnished ring nbout him. "Stand back!" ho burled between his teeth. "You shall not stop met Back, I say! Messenger I am, and my mes Bago I will deliver!" ".Madman! Will bo cut his woy In?" cried Dickinson. Armand, dragging the curtain from Its hooks, had gained tho hall. Ho sprang at tho great doors and struck them frenzied ly with bis sword. But With tho first blow the light steel rat tled to tho lloor broken half way to tho bilt. When Anne hud Issued from the ante room a few moments before, she had emerged into the main corridor. Sho was dizzy, sick, and the last words of her questioner were in her oars. She found herself saying them over dully. "A matter of great import." "Trem bling in the balance." An old doorkeeper in a blue coat with faded lace sat near by on a wooden Chair, but the day was warm, and ho was dozing. Ills mouth was open, and he had not stirred when she came out. Sho could hear tho muillcd voices clashing upon one another, coming from the main room where tho dele gates sat. Tho door at one end of tho corridor opening on tbo greeu was ajar, and sho was vaguely aware, as a background, of the murmurous, multi keyed noises that hang above an order ly assemblage of many people. And, standing leaning against the wall, a swift knowledge came to her. Tho wailing crowd outside; her guide's haste as he hurried her through the streets from tho Bed I Jon tavern. A matter "of great Import." Tho Dec laration! They were considering it, hesitating. Armand's message might have decided, and sho had betrayed him?Stay I Sho had the packet. It was there in her cloak. She must find Dr. Franklin. Ah, ho must be In thoro at that moment! She had sworn to give it into his very hands. Ho must read it at once-at once With the thought her eager lin gers dragged it out. She glanced at the old watehman. Daily familiarity bad made such coun cils hackneyed to hfhi. With eyes upon him she stele to the door In tho center. She turned the knob softly and tried it. It was locked. Smitten with her im? potency, she leaned llgahist it and rat tled the knob. All at once she felt ii giving. A key had been turned from the inside. She heard the row ?1 doorkcop r shuflllng toward her, hoard his Protestant whis per and lugged with ail her strength. A buzz of talk that the stout panels had deadened clamored loud in her ears. She saw nothing but a broad nlslc, above whoso center hung an enor mous, many prlsmcd chandelier, glanc ing hack the sunlight. Tears burned her oyos to mist, and her throat was choking, out of tho mist as she stopped the crowded body of the hall stupefied her with people. Tho sound of voices rising as she had entered stilled In an instant to a silence, broken by an cxclnmntton and the taut blow of a gavel. She was dimly con scious of men I \< iggod, dressed most ly In black and snuff color, with white neckcloths ono or two on their feet. Hor fingers under her cloak clasped t tight tho precious pnek< t so light sho could fool Its ii Iges cut Into her flesh? J and a clammy fainlncss was upon her. Suddenly the; left her, and the Jor ! ring walls drew into place. She was standing In the center of a square room, plain wallod, with three j tall barred windows at each sale hung with green Venetian blinds. In front j of her was a raised, square rostrum I between groat empty fireplaces, and, j leaning over it.; desk-, an elderly man i I gazing down. Burpiii n seemed carved upon his features, and, looking, sho felt a dreadful hysterical desire to j laugh. Below on the lloor and facing her stood n short, stout old man, with n bald head and a flingo of white hair. Ills kindly eyes, behind great iron j rimmed spectuch s, gave her confidence. j It came to her in a Hash lhat this was I the great Dr. Franklin. I Quivering, sho stood before him and j courtosled low, Then she raised her i hand and govo him tho packet. Everything clouded after that, and I the ground was swaying. Sho saw him break the so; I I i unfold the paper and start as ho bent his eyes upon It. Through the buz/, of whispered curios ity sho felt a familiar voice strike, speaking her name, and saw tho sharp features and foxy hair of Mr. Joffor son. His hand was drawing her to ward the entrance, She heard Dr. Franklin's voice, like a. great clear organ note, "I will lift up mine eyes unto tho hills from whence comolh my help." Then, as they reached the doors, a clamor on the other side - the sound of metal striking against, the wood. The hinges swung outward. She had n momentary glimpse of Armand standing in the corridor, while, di sheveled, a broken sword in his hand saw him starling back, and, as tho doors closed heavily behind her, she felt herself sinking Into blackness. "Louis! Louis'.'' She Ihl'USt the fainl ncss back with a wall, "I could not help It!" His eyes were sharp spears through her heart, his voice like twisted agony. "Betrayed! Denounced to the congress! Oh, Cod, and by you! .My honor?-my love?my trust- all ended!" Galloway entered from tho porch with two soldiers in the Continental uni form. "In tho name of the congrcssl" said Dickinson, pointing to Armand. "Sauve toll" 1 Tunic's warning vi brated with anxiety. lie stumbled awkwardly with tho cry, pitching In front of the soldiers and as though to save himself the fall grasped each by on ankle, To l o Continued. ? -THin-iT-irrir??! in j, ?iw, ? Wiiiwiwiun AN BMIflHQlONCY MEDICINE!, Fir sprains, bru'se?, burns, eca'ds ami similar Injurlos, there is nothing so good as Chaml or] iu's P?in Balm. It soot hes tho wound and not only gives Instant rollet from rain, bit onuses tho parts to heal in about one third (he tlmo required by ti o usual treatment. Sohl by La tiro us Drug Co. und Dr. iL F. l'OSi y. 8(3 I1KDULKS C. X. & L. Knllrond Co Schedule In effect Novombor vist, |Qfl4 ? No. 52 No. 21 No. 88 Pni ontcor Mixed ox- Freight ox? Daily copt Sun- copt Sun day day f.v Columbia it la am r, ir, pm l ru am ar Newberry 11 em 7 05 pm 3 45 am nr Clint "i l '.:.! p m s 15 p in f, v>:, a m nr Lauron? I t: pm 8 48 pm 800 a m No. 53 No. 22 No. 81 LvL&uronii 2 02 pm 7 00 n m 6 20 p m ar Clinton 222 pm 7 :<0 n m <i Oil pm ar NewMiry 810 pm sx> am vor, gm ar Columbia 4 45 p in in ;w n m 0 16 p m C. II. GASQUK. Asont.