Nebraska Newspapers

    " * * '
THE OMAHA DAILY B Jfl , JUNE Iti , 1895. 10
CHAPTER XXIII CONCLUDED.
My pleasant time In the cottage by the
Oarpcl came nil too soon to nn end. It Is ,
Indeed , a rttrc and hoarteome place to bide
on a summer's day. There wan the sound of
the birds slnglm ; , the dash of thn water Into
thn pool beneath the Holy Linn , where the
ministers had hold the great baptising of
bairns when the bonny burn water dropped
of Its own accord on their browa as their
fathers held them up. There wcro the leavei
rubbing against one another with a pleasant
node. Those kept my heart stirring and
content a * long as I abode In the glen of
the Garpcl.
There Is In particular one llttlo hill with
a flat lop , ott which one may spy both up and
down the glen , yet be hidden under the
leaves. Here I often frequented , though
Sandy warned me that It would be my death.
Yet I liked It best of all places In the day.
time , and lay there prone on my belly for
many hours together , chewing sorrel , clackIng -
Ing my heels together , and letting on that I
was meditating. Hut , Indeed , I never could
look at water ( dipping away beneath me
without letting It bear my thoughts with It
and set me to dreaming. And the Carpel Is
an especially pleasant burn to watch running
from you. I have had the same feelings In
church when the sermon ran rlpplelcss and
dull over my head.
The only thing that annoyed me was that
on the Sabbath days tha Oarpcl was a greal
place for lovers to convene , and , above all , al
one angle behind Jean Gordon's cot then
Is n bower planted with wild flowers , picas ,
ant and retired , doubtless for them that an
equipped with a lass. Hut as for me , 1
pleased myself by Chinking that one day 1
MioulJ shape to bring Malsle Lennox then
to see my hiding place , for she ever lovec
woods that rustle , and waters that flow softly
Yet chiefly on that day I kept close to mj
covert with a book , but whether from motive !
of safety or envy It mlsllketh mo to tell.
I was awakened one morning by Jean at the
side of my bed. She was fully dressed , as I
to receive compnn ) , and her tall and stralgh
figure warn Imposing enough.
"Rise ! " she said. "Hlso ! There's a chlei
here that wants ye to gang wl' him. "
"A chief , Jean Gordon ? " said I , In a sleep )
kind of surprise. "What ken yeaboot him ? '
"O , I ken no's a honest lad , " she said , "an
ho brings yo a message frae a gardener o
DalmaRhlo that yo are to accompany him
there for greater safety. "
"A likely story ! " said I , for I was noni
well pleased to be awakened up out of ni ]
sleep at that tlmo In the morning for a regl
ment of Dulmngtilc gardeners. "There 1
great safety In the neighborhood of thi
eagle's nest ! "
"There Is so , " said Jean Gordon , dryly
"toy sparrows. 'Tls the safest place In tin
world for them to build , for the eagle wll
not' touch them , an * lesser gleds dare no
coino near ! "
Nor do I think that this saying please ,
ma over well , for I thought this a Gordon o
Earlstoun of whatever rank was a city sc
on a hill that could not be hid.
So Jean Gordon , the hermit of the Garpe
glen , bade me an adieu , giving me none sucl
an old-fashioned salutation as well , whlcl
looked not like having forgotten all that all
had lightlied to mo.
"Tak1 tent to yoursel' , " she said. "Ye ar
'a good lad and none so feckless as yo look
There's fushlon In ye , ami ye mlcht even tak
the o'e o' woman gin yo wad pad your legs. '
And with this she went In , leaving mo In i
quandary whether to throw a stone at her o
run back and toke her around the neck.
I found the1 gardener of the great house o
Balmaghlo standing with his back toward me
He walked on a little before me wlthou
speaking. He was to the back view drensei
but ordinarily , yet with some of the neatnes
of a gentleman's servant.
And this was'a great deal In a countr ;
where- , ordinarily , the men wear little that I
handsome , save and except the Sabbatl
cloak , which. If It do not , like charity , cove
1
Bho took his cliln In her hanjs uiul U aeJ hlrr
a multitude of sins , of a truth hides a mult !
tude of old duds of clothes.
At the foot of the burn , where It runs eve
tome black and rugged rocks , the gardcne
( topped and turned round. I declare I neve
got a greater or more pleasant surprise In m
life , save as It may be once.
"Wat , dear Wat ! " I cried , and ran to hltr
We clasped each other's hands , and stood
little off. gazing at one another. I had nc
known that I was so fond of him. Hut nothln
draws the heart like coming through trial tc
pettier. At least , so It Is with men. 'Twin
women and men so many things draw tb
heart that It Is well nigh Impossible to scpa
rate one thing from the other ,
"How came Jean Gordon to say you wet
the gardener at Balmaghlo ? " I aiked of hit
when I was a llttlo satisfied with looking i
him.
him."Why , because I am the gardener at Da
niaghle second gardener ! " answered Wa
Billing In a sly way that ha had when h
meant to provoke and mystify me. Yet
way that I liked not III. for he never use
It but when tie had within htm a llgtt an
merry heart.
Hut I know by this time how to counte
hli stroke , which was to hold one's peace , a
If one cared nothing about the matter. Kc
"Wat was Just like a woman , or a fence
whom It provokes more to measure hi
thrust and avoid It than a hundred times t
parry bis attack.
But for all I could not keep the luterei
out of my eyes ai wo walked along.
"You do not want to hear , " wld he , pro
Coking tat ; tor became of lUUIe Lenno
and my mother , lie knew he had the better of
mo.
mo."Ilut I do , though ! " was all I could say.
For Indeed the matter was a mystery tome
mo , as well It might be. Wat Gordon of
Loch Invar some tlmo favorite of her grace ,
Ibo duchess of Wollwood , now , ' gardener tea
a latltudlnarlan and cavalier Galloway laird ,
that had been a wonder on a day of mlra-
cloa.
cloa.Wat
Wat continued to smile and smile.
"Well , I will toll you , " he said. But for
a while did not , but only walked on smil
ing.
ing.At
At last ho pursed his mouth and began
to whistle. It was a bar or two of the
air , "Kato Calrnlo is My Darling. "
Now I was not bright In the uptake about
such things , for I had not till lately con
cerned me much with love and women's fa
vors , but It came across me In an Instant.
"Oh ! " said I.
"Ah ! " said Wat.
And we looked at ono another and nodded.
"Kato bt the black eyebrows ! " I ald , mus
ingly. "They are Joined over her brow , " ]
went on , "and her car comes straight down
to her neck , without any rounded lobe. They
arc two well considered signs ! "
Wat Gordon stopped and cried out at mo
"See here. William Gordon , what mean yoi
by that ? What If her eyebrows meet undo
her chin and her ear hang down like bant
strings ? What Is that to you ? "
"Happily nothing ! " saU I , for I was pa
tlently paying him out , as It Is ever easy tc
do with a spitfire like young Lochlnvar.
"Speak plain , Will , " ho cried , "or , by th
Lord , I will Immediately run you through ! '
"With a spade , " sold I , mocking. "Mln
Wat , you arc a laird's gardener now. "
Ilut when I perceived that ho was rcall
angry I hastened to appease him.
"Joined eyebrows and lobeless ear hav
been held by learned folk to prefigure som
temper , Wat ! " I said.
His brow cleared In an Instant.
"Pshaw ! " he exclaimed. "I like the las
with a sparkle. No mlm mls-le for Wat Gor
don , but a lass that keeps you In doubt tt
the last moment whether your wooing wl
speed you to a kiss or a bodkin that's th
maid for me. "
"For me , I would e'en take the kiss , "
said "take it plain. "
"Tush , slow coach , " he said ; "your Earla
toun blood always did run like so much mos
water. "
Now , I have borne the burden of the da
on the moss of Ayr , and felt that I need no
take his scornful word.
"I have been where other than women'
bodkins flashed ; aye , ten against a humlrec
and this waa the only brand that wa
through , " I said , putting my hand on m
side. "There are small time for klsse
then. Yo may kiss your lass gin ye Ilk
aboot the woods of Dalmaghlc. As for me
I prefer to ride at Cameron's flank , on
day.when the garments are rolled In blood.
This I said , for my gall was working ho
within inc. So far from our first frlcndshl
had the clack of foolish tongues brought m
'Deed , we were but silly boys that neede
skelplng , but far the worst.
"And so perhaps would I have preterre <
It , " answered he gently.
"Aye ? he would have preferred It ? " wa
my answer , not over kindly said , I fear.
"Aye , " said he again , "I suppose It Is to
late In the day for Wat Gordon of Lochlnva
to have to prove his courage to his cousl
William of Earlstoun. So then take It froi :
mo that but for my oath sworn to the kin ;
It had given more pleasure to me to rid
with you In the charge at Alrsmoss than t
be bridegroom to any mold in the world ! "
And at the name of the king he lifted hi
old worn countryman's bonnet as nobly an
loyally as though It had been the plume
hat , whose feather had so proudly swept th
ground that night when he defied heave
and earth to keep him from his tryst beyon
the Nethcrbow. "
At the word I stretched out my hand t
him.
"Forgive me , Wat , " I said , and wonld hav
taken his arm , but ho moved It away for
moment.
"Pray remember , " ho said grandly , "tba
though I am a Jerklncd man and Imndlo th
mattock In another man's kail yalrd ; aye
though I bo put to the horn and condemne <
unheard as a traitor , I am a true king's mar
Vivo le Ilol ! "
"Well , " replied I , "and much good may I
do you. At any rate , there Is no need t
make such a work about It. After all , gli
yo be at the horn , ye gled some o1 Duk
Wellwood's lads most unmerciful Jags ancatl
the ribs ! "
While thus we snarled and fought betweei
ourselves , the very strife of our tongues mad
the legs go faster , and we came southward b ;
the two lochs , Ken and Grenoch , crosslnj
over the Illack Water , and leaving th
Duchrae behind. This made me very wao t
mind the days that wo had there with tha
bravo company which would meet no mor
on the earth together.
At the head of the high natural wood tha
fringes about all the mansion house of Bal
maghle , wo took down through the copse
till me came to the green policies that rln ,
In the great house of the McGhles. As w
went linking down the green pleasaunc
there met us one who came toward us wlti
his hands behind his back , stooping a llttl
from the shoulders down. Ho wore a rlc
dress of dark stuff a good deal worn , an
that of a fashion ono or two removes fron
the present. Hut rather as It seemed fror
habit and preference than need like on
that deigns not to go too tine.
"Where away , Heather Jock ? " ho cried t
u as we went , and turned toward us.
"Whom have we here ? " he asked , so see
as he saw me.
"A cousin of mine from the hill countrj
laird , " said Wat , with the gruff courtesy o
the gardener.
"Hoot , hoot nnother ! This will never d (
Has he taken the Test ? "
"Ho cannot read It , even , " said Wat , stand
Ing sheepishly before him.
"That Is all the better , " said the tall , gra
man. shaking his head gently and a little ri
proachfully. "It is easier gotten over tha
way. "
"Havo you not read It ? " asked Wat , giant
Ing up at him curiously as he stood an
swung his cane.
"Faith , no. " he answered quickly ; "If
had read It , Heather Jcck , I might never hav
taken It : I could not take the risks. "
"Ho will e'en take It the way that the Hei
lot's hospital dog took it , " said Wat , agal
smiling , "with a llttlo butler and liberty t
spit It out. "
"How now. Heather Jock ; thou art a grea
fellow. Where dMst thou get all the storlt
of the city ? Tha whaups do not tell thei
about the Glenklus. "
"Why , an' It please your Honor , I was ha !
a year In tha town with the Lady Gordon ,
answered Wat , readily enough , making hli
an awkward bow.
"Tell me the story , rascal , " said the tal
man. whom I now knew for Roger McGhl
of Dalmaghle. "I love a story , so that It b
not too often told. "
Now I wondered to hear Wat Gordon c
Lochlnvar take the word "rascal" 10 meeklj
standing there on the road. It waa very fa
from being his wont.
However , he began obediently to tell th
itory which Roger McGhle aaked of him.
r A Kate of the Black Eyebrows makes man
a mighty difference to a man's itomach.
"The story was only a bairn's ploy that
heard tell of when I was In town with m
Udy , " ha laid. "Nothing worth your Honor'
attention. "
"Let me bo the judge ot that , " said th
other.
"Well , then , laird , there was In the-boi
ital of George Herlot , Ute Jeweler to tha
tint ; , a whwn loon lads who had an 111 will
t A maitirt tyke that lived In a barrel In
le yard and keeped the outermost gate ,
'hey suipcctcd this dog ot treason agalnit
10 person of Ills majesty , and. ot treasonable
pinions as to the succcislon ot the Duke of
'ork. And , Indeed , they had some grounder
or their sinplclon , for the mastiff growled
no day at the king's high commlsiloner
when ho passed that way , and bit n piece
ut of the calf of erie of the Duke ot York's
crvltors that wore his hlghness'g livery , at
tie time when his grace was an Indwellcr In
lolyrood house. "
Tha eye ot the- tall , grave man changed.
A look of humorous severity came Into It.
"Be cautious how you apeak of dignities ! "
e said to Wat.
"Well , " said Wat , "at any rate this evil-
minded tyke held an office of trust within the
Meaning of the act , and these loon lads of
lerlot's ordained him duly to take the test
r bo turned out of his place of dignity and
roflt.
"So they farmed a summary court , and the
yke was called and Interrogated In order. The
lily cur answered all their questions with si-
ence , which was held as a sign of a guilty
onscience. and would have been registered
as a direct refusal , but that one of the loons ,
aklng It upon him to bo the tyke's advo
cate , argued that silence gnvo consent , and
hat the test had not been presented to his
client In the form most plausible and agree
able to his tender stomach.
"The debate lasted long , but at last It was
igreed that a printed copy ot the test should
) o made Into as little bulk as possible ,
smootcd with butter , tallow , or whatever
should be most tempting to his doggish ap-
potlte. This being done , tyke readily took it
tnd madu a shift by rowing It up and down
ils mouth to separate what was pleasant to
its palate. When all seemed over , and the
dog appearing/ ! well tested , the loons saw
somewhat , as It were , one piece after an
other drop out of the side of his mouth.
Whereupon It was argued , as In the case ol
my Lord Argyle , that this was much worse
than a refusal , because It was a separating
of that which was pleasant from that which
was Irksome , and that his , rightly Inter
preted , was no less than high treason.
"But the tyke's advocate urged that hla
enemies had had the rowing up ot the paper ,
and very likely they had put some crooked
pin or other foreign object unpleasant to an
lonest tyke's palate within. So he asked fol
a fair trial before his peers for his client.
"Then the court being constitute and the
assize set. there fell out a great debate con
cerning this tyke dog. Some said that this
THEY SAT AND GOSSIPED TOGETHER.
chamlng ai i chirking ot the paper was ver
ill done of him , and that he was over mal :
pert , and took too much upon htm , for h !
office , being a lowly one , It was no buslnci
of his to do other than bolt the test at one
"Hut his advocate urged that ho do h
best , and that If ono part of the oath fell I
hindering the other and fighting In his ha :
It was not his fault , but the fault ot tliei
that framed it. Also , that It It had m
hindered Itself In going down , he would lun
taken It gladly and willingly , as ho ha
taken down many other untoothsome morse
beforeto the knowledge of the court t
dead cats , old hosen and shoes , and a bit i
the leg of one of the masters In the hosplta
who was known to be exceedingly unsavor
In his person.
"Hut all this did not save the poor tyk
for his action In mawllng and beslavering h
majesty's printing and paper was held to bi
at least , Interpretive treason , and so he WE
ordered to close prison until such a tlmo n
the court shall call him forth to be hange
like a dog. Which was pronounced fc
doom. "
Roger McGhle laughed with a gentli
Inward laughter , and tapped Wat with h !
cane.
"Thou art , Indeed , a merry wag , an
speak over well for a gardener , " he sali
"but I know not It John Graham would m
put a charge Into thee gin he heard thy w ?
of talking. But go on. Tell mo what bete
the poor tyke. "
"None so evil was his fate , " said Wa
"for In the midst of the great debate the
the surprising verdict raised the tyke dre
on a fox's skin , laid hold of the tall i
another tyke , and so passed unobserved 01
of the prison. At which many were glai
for , said they , he was a good tyke that woul
not sup kail with the pope nor the dell , an
so no need of his long spoon. And othei
said that It was a pity to hang so logic ;
a tyke , for that he was no Aberdeen ma
that was ready to cant and recant again. "
Roger McGhie laughed aloud and knocke
his cane on the ground , for he understoo
the meaning of all these things , being verse
in parties and politics , which I never was.
"It Is mighty merry wit , " he said , "ar
thesa colleglners are merry blades. I wendi
what John Graham will say to this ; but go i
the bothies of the bachelor foresters and gi
that which may comfort the inward parts i
your cousin from the hills , who. from th
hang of his head , seems not so ready of tongi
as thou. " For , Indeed , I had been most ill :
erectly silent.
So the tall , gray-bearded gentleman wer
away from us , tapping gently with his can
on the ground , and often stopping to look i
some puddock or grasshopper on the roadstd
Then Wat told me that , because ot h
quaint wit and great loyalty , Roger McGh !
of Balmagble was In high favor with the ru
lug party , and that none on his estates wei
ever molested ; also that Claverhotiso fr
quented the house greatly , often riding fro
Dumfries for a single night to have tl
pleasure of his society. He never quarters
his men there , but rode over alone , or wit
but one attendant , in the forenlghts , to gi
away from roysterlng Lldderdale of the Isl
red , roaring Baldoon , drlnVng Wlndram or
the rest of the boon companions ,
"Ho will come , " sold Wat. "with a prou <
set face , stern and dark as Lucifer's , In tt
evening , and in the morning ride away wll
so fresh a countenance and so pleasing o
expression that one might think htm an in
n fallen spirit. For , as he says , Roger Mi
Qlilo does his heart good like medicine. "
Betimes we came to a little row ot whl
cottages deep Irrthe wood , with only a lltt
green clearing at the door , and the trei
passing great branches over the roof.
Here we washed ourselves , and Wat set i
shave mo and cut my hair close , In ord <
that , If necessary , I might wear a wig. The
wo went Into the gardens , where we four
the chief gardener ot Balmaghle , who :
name was Samuel Irving.
Samuel waa a grave man with a very lor
upper lip , which gave him a sour and dlscoi
tented expression , but secretly he was a grc :
favorer of the hill folks. Also he was vei
upright and well doing In tbe matters i
seeda and fruits and perquisites , and great !
In favor with his master , Mr. Roger Gordoi
So we set out refreshed , and were going t
a path through the woods when , suddenl
who should come upon us at a turn bt
Kato McGhle. Wat ran to her to take hi
hands , but she gave him the go-by with tt
single favor of a , saucy glance. "Strangei
flritl" sha said , arid bo came forward and
jrectcJ mo. ' > ' xl
"You are weleom kJHo Balmaghle , William
Jordan , " she said. . * i > would you come a *
guest and not a * ! rvltor | but some day
rou shall enter by thteTtront door. "
She glanced arouml'wlth a questioning air.
Wat waa standing halt turned away , very
haughty In hit loikt I
Kate McGhle tuniedstoward him. She was
In truth a comely- maid for one black of
favor. i
"Now you msy tttniD > " she said.
He seemed as It ho would refuse and turn
away , but she looked , fixedly at htm , defying
htm with her eyes to do It , and after a
moment's battle of regards , ho came slowly
toward us. i
"Come ncarerl" she commanded Imperi
ously ,
Ho came up with his eyes kindling. I
think that no loss than kissing was In his
mind , and that for a moment bo thought
that she might permit It.
But she drew herself away , and her look
was disdainful and no doubt bard to be
borne.
"Are these manners from n servant ?
They that eat the meat .and sit below the
salt must keep the distance. "
Wat's countenance fell In n moment. I
never saw one with so many ups and downs
In such short space. The allures and whim
sies of this young she slip made htm alter
nately brighten and sulk , like an April day.
"Kate , " he began to say , In the uncertain
tone ot a petitioner.
"Mistress McGhle , It you please , " said
she , dropping him a courtly courtesy.
"Havo you forgotten quite ? " Wat sold.
"Ah , " she said , "It Is you who have for
gotten. You were not the gardener then.
I do not allow gardeners to kiss me unless
my hand. Would you like to have that ,
Heather Jock ? "
And she held out the back of her hand.
The silly fellow colored to his brow , and
was for turning away with his head very
much In the air.
But she ran after him and took him by the
shoulders.
"No , " she cried. "Heather Jocks must not
Iclss ladles , but there Is no law against ladles
kissing Heather Jocks , an' It likes them. "
And she took his chin in her hand and
kissed him fairly.
Which went far to make me envious. Then
he would have caught her with his arms ,
but she escaped out of them lightly as a bird ,
"Na , no , Lochlnvar , " she cried , merrily.
"That Is as inuckle as Is good for you" sin
looked at him with the light of attraction It
her eyes "afore folk , " she added , with i
glance at him that I could not fathom.
Whereat I saw for the first time all tha
was between them. So with no more iaU shi
fled fleet foot down the pith toward the grea
house , which we could see , gray and massive
at the end ot the avenue ot beeches.
"There's a lass by yon burnslde that wll
do as inucklo for you ; but dlnna bldo to spec
her leave , " she cried to me over her shouder :
a word which It was hard' to understand
s I asked Wat , who dtood staring after he
In a kind of adoration , what she might mean
Ho gazed at mo as If he did not see wha
thing wao making the noise like talking ,
am sure that for the ( line ho knew mo no
from John Knox.
"What did she mean ? " I asked htm.
"Mean ! " said he , "mean ! " speaking vague ) ;
as one. In a swlthor.
"You arc heedy and moldcred with gettlni
nothing but a ktis from a lass , " said I.
"Did she kiss you ? " criel he , looklni
truculently at me.
"Nay ! " said I bluntly , for the thing was no
in my thought.
"Then you ken nothing about It. You hai
better hold your wheesht ! "
He stofid so long thinking , and sometime :
give his thigh a little slap like one that ha
remembered something pleasant which he ha.
forgotten , that I was near coming away li
disgust and leaving the foal , when I remembered
bored that I know not , where to go.
In n while he came to himself eomewhat
and I told him what Kate McGhte had salt
to me over her shoulder.
"Did Kate say that ? " he said. "She couli
surely not have said that and I not hear her. '
"Out , you fool , " I said , for so I spoke ti
him , being my cousin and playmate. "Yot
had other matter to think of. Say It sin
did. "
He repeated the words that I told htm , am
the sound of them seemed to be In daneoi
of throwing him into another rhapsody.
But at last he said , suddenly , "O , I kei
what ho means . " ho drew a long breath
"I suppose we had better go down to thi
waterside ; she will not come out again If w <
wait all night. " And he went some way alont
the avenue and looked at one heavy-browei
window ot the old house which seemed to b
winking at us.
It Is a strange thing how love affects dlf
ferent people. You never can tell how I
will bo. I could not have believed that th
presence of a forward Jass with black eye
brows could have tmado a moonstruck too
of Wildcat Wat of Lochlnvar.
He stood still and looked till my patlenc
was ended.
"Come on , man.1 ; I ( jrled , "I declare yoi
are not Heather Jock , ax she called you , bu
Heather Jackass ! " .
At another lime , he would have knockei
my head oft , but nojv It affected him no mor
than a sermon. A 'l tyls I took to bo th
worst sign of all.
"Well , come on. then , " he said , "you ar
surely In a great s'weat ton ght. "
And we took our way down toward th
waterside , having Wasted more than an hour
Wo had not advanced tar down the plllare. .
avenue of beech trees , wnen suddenly In :
moment we came In sl ht of Malsla Lennox
She was coming slowly toward us along on
ot the forest roads. * At the name time I sa\
my mother walking away from me down
path which led to\yarj the side of the De
water. She had her back toward us and wo
going with her head down. I ran to mee
Malsle Lennox , but ere I reached her sh
said quietly to me , "Have you not seen you
mother ? "
"Aye , " answered I. "Sha has gone dowi
the road to the waterside. "
"Then let no greeting come before you
mother's , " she said , looking very ill pleasei
at mo when I ran forward to take her hand
So with a flea In my ear I turned m
about and went off. somewhat shamed , t
find my mother. When I got back to th
path on which I had e n her , I left Wa
far behind , and ran after her , calling loudl ;
to her.
At the sound of my voice she turned an
held up her liandi.
"Willie , boy , " she cried.
And In a moment she bad me In her arm :
broonlng over me and making- much of me
She told me , also , when she had time t >
look at me , that I was much better thai
when I had lain In the well house at EarU
toun.
"And you came flrit to tea jour eli
mother , " she ealil , a word which made mo
ashamed , Sd I had no aniwcr to make ,
though , ncvprlejs , I took the credit ot the
action as well by illonco as by speech.
Then Malsio Lennox came through the
wood , and , demeaning herself , right soberly
she held out her hand ,
"Did you not see William before. ? " asked
my mother , looking from ono to the other
of us.
"Only at a distance , on his way to you , "
said Malsle , speaking In her demure way.
It was In the little holding ot Boatcroft ,
by the side ot the water ot Dee. and beside
the water meadows that gird the broad
stream , that we found my mother , Malsio
Lennox and llttlo Margaret Wilson ( settled.
Their position was not ono to be despised.
They wore safe for the tlmo being upon
the property of Roger Meddle. Every day
the old man passed their loaning end , and.
hough ho knew that by rights only a herd
hould live there , yet ho made no complaint
lor asked any question for conscience sakn
vhcn ho saw my mother and Malsio Lennox
ir little Margaret of Glcnvcrnock moving
.bout. .
In the evening It fell to mo to make my
irat endeavors at waiting at table , for though
I'omen were safe enough In anywhere on the
state , It was not judged to bo necuro for mo
xccpt within the house Itself.
So my mother gave me a great many cau-
lens about how I was to demean myself , and
tow to bo silent and mannerly when I
landed the dishes.
As Wat and I went toward the great house
n the parly gloaming we became aware of
i single horseman" riding toward us and
gaining on us from bshtnd. At the sound
of the trampling of his horse Wat dived at
once over the truf dyke and vanished.
"Bide you ! " ho said. "He'll no ken you ! "
A slender-like figure in a great gray cloak
and a plain hat came slowly riding along
side of me In an attltuac of the deepest
thought.
I know at a glance that It was John Gra-
mm of Claverhouso , whom all the land
mew as the persecutor.
"Aro you one of Ualmaghlo's servants ? "
IB asked.
I took off my bonnet , showing as I did so
my shaven poll , and answered him that I
was.
was.No other word he uttered , though he eyed
no pretty closely and uncomfortably , as If
Jio had a thought that ho had seen me be
fore somewhere , but the shaven head and
.ho absence of hair on my face was a com
plete disguise. For , Indeed , though Mals.o
Lennox makes llttlo of It , the fact Is that I
lad at the time quite a strong crop ol hair
both on my chin and upper lip ,
Claverhouso waved mo behind him with
.iIs graceful and haughty gesture , which they
say ho constantly used , oven to the secretary
In council when he was hot with htm In the
matter of the house and lands of Dudhope.
Meekly I trudged behind the great com
mander of horse , and looked with much curi
osity and soma awe upon both him and on
his famous horse Sathanas , which was sup-
poeed by the more Ignorant of the peasantry
to be the foul ( lend In proper person.
So we came to the house , and the lights
were Just beginning to shine , for Allsoun
Hegble , the maid of the table , was Just
about.to light the candles. At the doorway
the master of the house met his guest , hav
ing been drawn from his library by the clat-
terlng feet of the charger on the pavement
of the yard.
"Ah , John , " ha said , "this Is right gra
cious of you , In the midst of your flRhtliiR
and riding , to como over to see an old hulk
like me. "
And he reached him a hand to the saddle
which Claverhouse took without a word , bul
I saw a look of liking In his eyes as I passed
round by the further door Into the kitchen.
Here I was roughly handled by the cook
who , ot course , had not been Informed of my
personality , because of tha length of her
tongue and the considerable nglllty thereof
Hut Allsoun Ucgblo. that rwas watting
maid , rescusd me , and In pity took me under
her protection , though with no suspicion o
my quality , but only from a nuldlsh am
natural liking for a. young and unmarried
man. She offered kindly to show me all my
duties , and. Indeed , I had been in a sorry
pass that night without her debt.
So that when It came to the hour of sup
per It was with some grace that I was
enabled to wait at table , and take my par
In the management of dishes therefore. All
> , oun kept mo mostly In the back part of he
serving pantry and gave me only the dlshe
which were easy to bo served , looking klndlj
on me with her eyes all the while , and touch
Ing of my hand when occasion served , whlcl
I thought It was not polite to refuse. For al
this I was greatly thankful , for I had ver )
small desire to have upon me the cold blui
eyea of John Graham , to whom. In spite o
my crop head and servant man's attire , then
might come a memory of the side of greei
Garry horn and the Interrupted fight wlilcl
Wat of Lochlnvar , my cousin , had tough
with Peter Inglls.
The two great gentlemen sat and suppei
their kail. In which a pullet had beet
boiled , with remarkable relish , and It wa
not till the wine had been uncoiked and se
at their elbows that they began to hav
much converse.
They sat and gossiped together very pleas
antly , like men that are easing their heart
and loosening their bolts over trencher am
stoop after a hard day.
It was John Graham who spoke first.
"Havo you heard , " he said , "tho excclien
Jest concerning Anne Keith , what she die
with these vagulng blastles up at Methven
when the laird was absent In London ? "
"Nay , " replied Roger Gordon , "that hav
I not. I am In the/ / way at Ualmaghlo t
hear no misdeeds but those of John Grahan
and his horse Sathanas , that Is now flllln
his kyte In my stable , as hla master is doln
In hall. "
"Well , " said Claverhouse , "we shall hav
to give Anne the Justlcular power and sen
her lord to the spence and the store chain
her. She shall have the jack and the rldln
breoks , and he the keys of the small al
cask. So It were better for his majesty'
service. "
"Hut I thought him a good loyal man , '
said Roger McGhle.
"On ono that goes as easy as an old shoe
llko yourself. Roger. Not so , my lady. Hear
ye what Annla did ? The convcnttclcrs cam
to set up a preaching In a tent on the laird'
ground , and they told It to Anne. Where
upon she rose and donned her lord's bul
coat and slung his gasket hilt at her prctt
side and so to the woodslde rode she. Tlier
wore with her but Methven's young brother
a lad like a fathom of pump water , yet h
drew sword and bent pistol llko a bravo one
I had not thought that there was so much I
David. "
Roger McGlilo sipped at his wine an
nodded , drawing up ono eyebrow and dow
the other , as Ills habit was when he wa
amused , which , Indeed , was often , for h
was merry within him much more often tha
ho told any.
"Who but Anne was the pretty fighter.
Clavers went on lightly , "with a horseman'
pleco on her Ictt arm , and a drawn tuck i
her right hand ? Also was oho not the flu
general , for she kept the enemy's force
alnilry , marching her servants to and fro , a
armed to the teeth between them , an
threatening the tent in which was th
preacher to the rabble. She cried to thei
that If they did not leave the parish o
Methven speedily It would bo a bloody da
for them , but that If they did not comet
the kirk decently and hear the curate , a
would ware her llfo upon teaching them ho\
to worship God properly , for that they wer
an ignorant , wicked pack ! A perllcue whlc
pleased them but little , and some rode o
that they might not be known , and fem
dourly remained , but were Impotent for evil.
"I never knew that Anne Keith was
splrlty la.js. I would all eplrlty lasses wer
as sound In the faith as she. "
This was the worJ of Roger McGhle , ul
toreil like a meditation. 1 felt sure h
thought of hli daughter Kate.
"Then , " continued John Graham , "Ann
took her warlike folk to the kirk , and , le
the poor curate was so wandered and fcare
that bo could give no discourse that day , bu
only ctood and bleated llko a calf , till th
Lady Anne Bald , 'Sir , If you can nelthc
right nor preach , yo had better go back t
the lllelanils. for , by the Lord , I can flgti
and preach , too. ' "
"As they do say the Laird of Methvc
right well knoweth , " Bald Roger McGhle , I
the dry and covert way In which he sa !
many things.
"Ah , " said Claverhouse , and smiled a lltt !
as It ho also had his own thoughts. But b
went on.
"So on the very next day Anne had
court in the hall , and all the oh ) cantln
wives ot tha parish were there. She set th
Test to all their throats , and caused them I
forswear conventlclliiK at the peril of the
liven all but one old beldame that would I
nowise give way , or be answerable for he
children , who were known rebels ,
"Then Anne took from her her apron , tha
was a fine braw one with pockets , and sal
to her ; 'This I shall keep till you hav
paid your son's Ones. It ye cannot keep you
ther brnts out of the dirt , at least I shall
cfp ( hit ono clem tor you ! "
"Ha , well said , Aune ! " crlfd Roger Me-
hie , clapping the table. For brat U but the
Scots \\ord for apron , and that concclty say-
ng was like that very spirited lady , Anne
Cclth.
"But with yourself how goes It ? " asked
ho Laird of Balmaghle ,
Claverhouse turned a silver spoon over , and
ooked at the polish > on It thoughtfully :
"III , 111. I fear. I ride night and day
( trough all the country of Galloway , and It Is
ke so much paddling In the mud. That
vrhlch you clear out before you closes up bo-
ilnd , At headquarters there Is the duke ot
lumlltcn , who desires no better than to load
r to the chancellor. I have many enemies. "
"Hut also many friends , " said Balmaghle.
"Not so true as thou art , Roger , " said
Claverhouse , stretching out a white hnud
vhleh hit friend took for a moment ,
'And ' I am plagued on the ono hand by the
ouncll to make folk to keep In the kirk , and
n the other with weary-minded preachers
ko Andrew Symson , who writes mo to say
hat now inucklo Davle Dunbar ot Haldoon
ath broken his neck , he has no congregation
t all. "
He threw a bit ot paper across the table
0 Balmnghlc.
"Read yo that. " he said.
The laird looked at It all over , and then
> eg < in to smile.
"TliU Is Indeed Andrew Symson , doddering
001 body that ho Is aye , scribing vorscs ,
uul clc verse. Heaven forfend us ! "
And he began to read :
le was no gchltmintlck. He ne'er withdrew
lllitisi'ir from the house of God. Ho with n
few ,
801110 two or three , came constantly to pray
For such as had withdrawn themselves
away.
S'or did ho conic by fits. Foul day or fair ,
I bring In the klik was sure to scu him
there.
Had ho withdrawn , 'tis like UICKO two or
thioe ,
FlelnR thus dUcouraped. had ilojortcd mo ;
3o that my niu.so Vnlnst I'rluclnu avers ,
tic * , ho alone was my parishioners !
"Aye , " said Ualmaghlc , " 1 warrant the
; nilr folk wcro na inucklo the better o'
Jaldoon's supplications. "
Then Claverhouse , receiving back the paper ,
ookcd up with great alertness.
"Hut I have chanced In that country to run
on a nest of the fanatics. "
Ho looked cautiously about , and I haJ na
nero than tlmo to step back Into thn llttlo
lantry whore Altsoun Begble already was
washing the dishes. She put her arm about
: ne to keep mo within , and before she lot mo
0 she kissed mo , which I suffered , for , bcliiK
a law from Borgue , she was not uncomely ,
though , llko all shore lassos , a little forward ,
John Graham assurcJ himself that none ol
us servants were In the room , and then he
said : ,
'I have Informations from one Blrsay
Smith , a cobbler , by which I have my hand
as good as upon the throats of that arch-
fanatic , Anthony Lennox of the Duchrao , and
also upon Sandy Gordon of Earlstouu , Ma-
clellan ot Baracobo , and some others. II
will be a great taking , for there Is a lonj
prlco on every head of them. "
"Think you. John. " said Dalmaghle , "that
you will add Enrlstoun and Uarscobe to yout
new lands of French ? "
"Nay , " said Clavers , "that Is past hoping- ,
They will give them to their English colonels ,
though , at my own request , I had the promise
from the council of the estates of any that 1
should find cause of forfeiture against , t
thing which Is only my due. But. as by this
time you may know , a plain soldier hath nc
chance among the wiles of the courtiers. "
"I question , John , It thou hadst all Gallo.
way and Nldsdale to boot , thou wouhlst be
happy , oven with the fairest maid thorohn foi
one week. Thou wouldst be longing to havt
Sathanas out , saddled and bridled , and be of ;
to the whig hunting with a 'Ho ! tally-hot' '
For that Is thy way , John ! "
Claverhouse laughed a llttlo stern laugl
like a man that laughs at himself , yet I :
proud of what he hears.
"It Is true , " he said. "There Is no hunting
llko this hunting of men which the king's
service sees In these days. U Is wort !
living to keep the crown of the moorlam
with ono's company of dragoons , llko a mai
hefting lambs on a sheep farm , nnd Unov
that no den , no knowc , no moss , no hill , lia :
been left unsearched for tha king's scjbsls. "
"And how speeds the wooing , John ? "
heard Halmaghlo suy after a little pause am
the opening of another bottle. .
I thought It no shame to listen , for tin
lives of all that were dear to me , as well a :
my own , were In this man's power ; and nisi
1 know very well that Kato McGhle had pu
mo In this place that I might gain gooi
Intelligence of the Intentions of the grca
captain of the man hunters.
Clavers sat a while silent. He looked a
his flue white hand and fingered the lac
rufilo upon his sleeve.
"Uas of that mainly that I came ti
speak to you , Roger. Truth to tell , It doc
not speed to my mind. "
"Hath the fair Jean proved unkind ? " sali
Roger McOlile , looking over at Claverhouse
with a quiet smile In his oyc.
John Graham leaned back In his chair will
an amused look , and threw back Ills cluster
Ing love locks.
"No. " he said ; "there Is. I think , littl
fear of that with any woman. "
"What , then Is the difficulty her mother ? '
"Aye , " said Claverhouse , 'that Is more Ilk
It. Yet , though the Lady Dundonuld drill
mo and flytcs me and preaches to me , I carnet
not ao much. For , like the hardships o
life , that will come to an end. Nevertheless
at times I am tempted to take the lady a
my saddle bow and ride out from Paisley t
return no more. " ' '
"You will not do that , John , " said Dal
maghlu quietly , with a certain light of Iron ;
In his eye.
Claverhouso looked up quickly.
"How so. Halmaghic ? " and I saw throng !
my llttlo slant wicket the pride crow In hi
eye.
eye."The 40,000 marks , John. "
Claverhouse struck his hand on the tablo.
"Thank yon " he said , coldly , and the
for a moment was silent. "There Is no ma :
that dare nay that to mo but voursc f , liogc
McGhle. "
"No , " said the Laird of Halmaghlo , sl |
ping at his canary , "and there Is why yo
rode over to BCD mo tonight. John a sill
old man In a dull houso. Instead of guzzlln
at Kirkcudbright with Winram and the but
gesses and bailies thereof. You are a truth
telling man , andyet hear llttlo ot It , save n
the house of Balmaghle. "
Claverhouso still said nothing , but stare
at the table from which the cloth had bee
removed.
The elder man reached over and put hi
hand on the sleeve ot the younger.
"Why , John , " ho said softly , "pluck n
thy heart and do nothing hastily as I kno\ \
thou wilt not. Forty thousand marks I
not to be despised. It will help the
mightily with Freuch and Dudhope. H i
wroth having thy cars soundly dauded for
persecutor , by a covenanting mother-in-law.
"But that Is not the worst of It , Roger ,
said Claverliotise , who had gotten over hi
pique ; "my enemies lay it against mo t
York and that King that I frequent a sui
pected and disloyal house. They will pu
mo down as they put down Aberdeen "
At this moment I felt a hand upon m
arm. It was Kate McQhle. Sile drew m
out of the closet where Allsoun had be
stowed mo , Intending , as she Intimated , t
como In bcsldo mo. She took HID by th
hand and wo passed out Into the cool nigh
Wat met us by the outer gato. He wn
standing In the shadow. There was no nee
of mo to toll Kato what I had heard Clavei
house reveal of his Intentions regarding Ai
ton Lennox and my brother Sandy , T
which there was added a great uncertain !
lest Blrsuy had been able to add to hi
other. Informations an account of my motl
cr's hiding place and our own disguise :
And even though wo had not already don
no , there was no saying how soon th :
might come about.
As wo stood conferring a moment togethc
there was one ran hastily from the house I
the stables , carrying a lantern.
Then in a little , out ot thu stable do <
came clattering the great war horse of tl
commander of dragoons.
William McCutchcon , the serving man an
chief eroom of the stables , led him with
certain awe , as If he might actually t
leading the enemy of mankind.
He had not been at tha door a mlnu
when Claverhouse came out and wont daw
the iteps , drawing on his rldng : gauntle
as ho came. Roger McGhle walked behlr
him with burning candles In a great sllvi
triple candlestick. He held It aloft In h
hand while the cavalier mounted with
free , easy swing Into the saddle , and Rathe
Ing the reins In his hand , turned to bid h
host adieu , "Ho canny with the next whl
ye catch , for the sake of your aln bonn
whlggle , Jean Cochranel" cried Roger Mi
Ghle of Balmaghle , holding the cresset big
above hU head.
"Dell a fear ! " laughed Clivers , gayl
waving hla band. " 'TU not In the pow <
of love or any ether folly to alter mr lop
ally , "
"P haw , " Haiti the laird } "then , John , jt
ken nothing About tha matter. "
But Clavcrhouict wna already cl.ittc-rlriR
across the cobblestone's ot the yard , Wa
drew back Into the deep shadow ot th *
bushes and he passed ui , n noble figure ot
A man sitting slenderly erect on hli great
black hone , Satlian.u , aud so riding out Into
the night llko a prince of darkness going
froth to war.
That night , dawn In the llttlo holding ot
Waterside upon the * broad meadows of tha
> ) ae , wo held a council. My mother was
r going to look after her son Sandy.
But I gently dissuaded her , telling her
hat Sandy was far safer Ictt to his own
csources , than v/ltli her safety also to pro-
'do for.
"I daresay , " said she ; "but have you
nought how I am llko to sleep when jou
.ro . all away , and when In every foot that
omcs by the door I he.ir the messenger that
onies to tell mo of my sons In their wlud-
g sheets. "
But , after all , we did persuade her to
ildo on at the llo.itcroft , where llttlo Mar
garet of Glenvernock was to stay with her.
s for the rest of us , wo hud Information
a to the hiding places ot Anton Lennox
ud the rest of the wanderers.
The maids were set to go Malsle Lennox
o see her father , and Kato McGhle becaius
> lalslo Lennox was going. Hut after a long
ontroversy wo prevailed on thorn to obldo
it homo and wall for our return. Yet It
: ame to me afterward that I saw a look
ass between them which I had een before ,
i-heti It Is In the heart of the women folk
o play some trick upon the duller wits of
nen. It Is ns though they said , "What gullj
hose men be ! "
So that night I slept with Wat In the
girdener's hut , nnd early In the morning'
ve went down to the great house to bid
ho maids goodby. Hut wo found only .All-
otm Hegble. The nest was empty , nnd the
ilrds flown. Roger McGhle was walking Up
nd down the beech avenue of the old house
.n docp thought. Ho had his hnnds behind
Ils back , and sometimes the ? corners of his
mouth seemed to smile through his gloom
with nil pleasantry. Wnt and I kept out ot
ls sight , and I could not help wonderlnc
low much , after all , ho understood ot our
ngolngs. More than any of us thought
t that time , I warrant , for It was the man'a
lumor to know much nnd say little.
Allsoun Hegblo , who boomed not unwilling
hat we should stop and converse with her ,
old us Hint after Clavers had departed , Mis-
: ress Kate had gone In to her father to tell
! ilm that she was going away for a space of
days.
"Yo nio not to rise before your ordinary
line In the morning , father. " she said : "I
hall be gone by the dawn. "
"Very well. Kate , " he replied , contlnutnc
o draw oft his coat nnd prepare for bed ;
'I shall Bell the Horeland to pay the flue. "
And this was all ho said ; and. having
k-lssed hla daughter good night , calmly and
; > lcasantly , ns was his wont , ho set a silken
skull cap on ills close-cropped crown and fell
asleep.
Truly a remarkable man was Roger Me-
hie of Balm.iKhlc * .
( To Ho Continued. )
TIIK DOCTOR'S COLUMN.
U. Ij H. , Minneapolis. Minn. ! miffor very
iiuch from cianips in Ilia feet mul IOK < . cs-
iiecl.illy nt night. nhouM beoiy KlaJ If you
! \ouM suggest nn nppioprl.itn remedy.
Take Febrlcldo Pills , ono thrco times dally
or a week ; then begin with MeJulllne , ox-
ract ot the spinal cord , three drops on the
onguo three times dally.
E. , Philadelphia From reading your letter
t to very evident that you need Natrollthlo
Salt ; take a teaspoonful In a half tumbler of
water morning nnd evening to overcome the
constipation and dlgonlvo disorder , then re
turn to the U'je of Corobrlne , In throe-drop
tees , thrco times dally.
J. A. R ' . .
, I'hlloilcli.lil.i-I had n. novprc fall a
cw wicks URO down Httiw , Blnco then I have been
wfforlns frmn dlr > lnnHn nnd wp.iknenH nnd dlftU
culty In wullihiK ! cnn you MiKKoxt treatment ?
Take Mr-ditllno , extract of the spinal
cord , In three-drop doses , three limes a day.
Use friction nt night with a rough towel
over the cntlro body.
A. F. , Phllndolphl.i I nm troubled with obf .
Ity ; nm KPttlnu very stout , IHns twenty-nin *
unda nlwvo my healthy wclcht.
Take Thyroldlne , extract of the thyroid
gland , In throe-drop doses three times dally ,
nnd once n week take Natrollthlc Salt , on6
teaspoonful in half n tumbler of water ,
morning and evening.
S. , Jr. , St. Paul , Minn. For the local con
dition you mention take Testlno , extract of
the testea , three drops three times dally for
one week , and then Cercbrlne , extract of
the brain , in same dose for a week , alter
nating. Use cold baths at night nnd light
bed clothing , and nrlso early in the morn
ing ; avoid spicy food.
M. S. , Minneapolis , Minn. For the local
trouble which you mention , falling ot the
womb , etc. , tnko Ovarlne , extract of the
ovaries , In throe-drop doses three times
dally. Plenty ot out of door exorcise la
Indicated and nourishing food.
W. T. PARKER. M. D ,
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TAKI !
[ LACK TONIQ
It in iiiuiilcliiu mill loud ituiiililued.
It reprutouta Iliu HmuliiiliiK laru t of ni
lure.
It punfU * llio II ( JI niut troiifllioiu the
HDTV.- * .
It make * the weiik ctroiiR. It rations tlio
leiiii.
It ninUa * Hie old yoiinc , It lieuutlllea tha
coiiiilnili | > n unit ruiuuvea all iiiuip v *
afirna HIM ! wriiplloiia.
1'itiuisa.oo : I > IIL : IIOVTI.K
TiniJ'.i ; iiorTi.iu i'on a oo.
Kach ilosu of Illack Tonic In worth more to
you Chan the price of Ilireo hottlea. AvolJ cheap
nostrum" , as your money U thrown away with
out any Iwntllt Ucrhcil. Nothing la dear when
you set yuur moncy'aorth , lllu'k Tonic ,
im-aiiurcd by renulti , la the tlivupi-tit of all reniu-
Ulw.
Ulw.A k your ilnigislH far It.
Manufactured only by
BLACK TONIC MEDICINE CO.
St. LouU , Mo.