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About Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922 | View Entire Issue (June 22, 1902)
1 fl THE OMAHA DAILY BEE: SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 1002. D Br (Copyright, 1901. by Max Pemberton.) (There la nothing o quick to raise the hopes and fesre of men ay, and of women too aa a clty'e llnhm een a little while after the hour of minuet upon a winter day, when the traveler bethlnkcth him of meat and lodging, and the peril of way no mora disturb hla serentty.-Old Chronicle.) In the beginning of the year 1584. toward the cloae of a winters day. a little com pany of travelere rod Into London by the great highway from York, and being come to the eomraon at Flnehley, mcb of the wayfarers as knew the place looked joy ously for the elty's light and for that warm welcome which the lnna at Charing would vouchsafe them. There were forty cf the company, Bays the record, both men ad women, cf the poorer aort and quality, and while you might hare seen archera ! from the foreet by Sherwood, priests from the Abbey, which the great Henry's reign bad cloned, and even merchants from the orthern towns, Joined for security to the bowman's troop, nevertheless the gossips by the wayside pointed Brst to the figure of Lady Barbara of Ollerton, and of Roy, ber husband, and asked by what means such folks had happened upon such a ven ture. Which curiosity bad reason both In the appearance of the traveler and In the friendships which the road found for them. Dresaed beyond the ordinary In a tunic of Lincoln green, and On boots of leather, his cape heavily embroidered with fur, his spur of gold, he whom they named the "outlaw" rode with that good assurance which spoke of mastership and of author ity, and while all obeyed him readily, and Ten the priests did not dispute his ruling, a word. It may be, of his story dropped ber and there at an Inn door won some sympathy for his emprise, and not a little doubt of It accomplishment. Long a fugi tive, this man who rode so bravely had won the allegiance of Sherwood aa none else Robin and his followers. His mar riage, men said, was a story from the fables. ' "He goes to London to crave pardoa of the queen," the gossip added; to whom the knowing ones made answer: "Let him keep a good horse to bring him vat again, for, assuredly, he shall have need of him, and of on for my lady, who la aot of the faith." Tale was their word as the cavalcade paased on la tbe twilight, and on by one . th strange figures disappeared from their view; a word of admiration for the woman's face and of pity for the man who would befriend her. In London, they foretold, there would be many to question Barbara of Ollerton; many to ask the strange his tory of him who now rode so gallantly beside ber. For thnsa were the beginnings of the terrible day when the shadow of th Spaniard loomed already above the city: and ma remembered in whisper that the priests were in and the devil waa out. and that It would be a sorry hour for England when Philip came from 8paln and won the kingdom" for hi dowry. In all of which they but echoed th gossip of, London city a good neighbor oftentlmea regaled by a passing traveler who drew rein to feed their wonder. Now, Roy of Calverton bad been for many ft year in Bherwood Foreet, and knew little of the queen'a will, of those swift event wblch befell upon ber acoesslon. Bet upon a purposs, and sure of his contention, he carried a great hope to the city, and spoke of it often to my lady at bis side aa one who would ask of her good coursge, and that abiding faith which first bad won bar love. Many times as they approached the outskirts be would bid ber be of good cbeer, and reminded ber of the pleasant hours which London could not fail to give them. Nor would be bear 'a protest of doubt, or consent at any time to abate that expectancy which bad led him from hi stronghold la the north. "We shall lie the night at Charing, but tomorrow to the bouss of my Lord of Taunton," be said, when Fincbley was saised, and the silent countryside encour aged them to confidence. "I would not go la tonight, dear heart, for that would be to knock thrice upon their gate,' and he whe knocks thrice msy lack the welcome be looks for. Nevertheless, my lord baa promlaed us shelter, and I see that It will be no little security to enjoy the protection of such a bouse. Let us not forget that we are aa these whe go to cast all upon a single throw, and It It befall that Ood la not with ma ta the venture, the have we naught but our own courage and great ov for consolation. Tet, of that I will aot think, tor my hand is set to the plow, and, Ood willing. I will never look back. Nay, let us carry a brave resolution, for that alone will befriend us in London city." Bhe answered him as be would have Wished, for the record goes that there waa bo braver heart la England that night than Barbara, of Ollerton, the outlaw'a wtfe. "Tour road la my road, dear husband, to the darkness or the eunsbine; I care aot If you be with me. Tet I would not bide It that we have aeed of eur courage and of any friendship we can And In London rlty. If I think kindly of my home It is because I go to a bouse of strangers who knew not mr father's name and who may hear mine with no pleasure of the history. Do not count me less worthy of yeur praise tf I must hold Ollerton always In my affec tions. Nay, I go to London aa one who ays 'tomorrow . It will bs homeward gain.' Bhe spoke a little wtatfuUy. as one weary, perchance, and lacking something of the hope of it, now that it drew near to ac complishment. But a month ago she had been the tniatreaa of a fair estate, wtnalog gladly the obedience of ft loving people, ruling with a gentle band that fair domala, which Bernard, her father, had left to her. Aad now the was a wife and bad laid ber allegiance at the feet of tbla man whom the world called "outlaw" and "exile. The very dominion aha had claimed threateaed to pass from bar sway; even the life of him to whom she had glvea her aBectlooa was la peril, man ssld. In London alone was pardon to be wen, the kingdom to be found agala, the old order set up. None knew better than Roy of Calverton the basard f that for which they wrought. This Iiftnd?n elty, which gave so much should give them all or give them nothing. That had been hie determination from the out set. "Homeward-agala, Ood grant It!" he re torted, as be pressed his horse cloae to here aad covered ber outatretched hand with bis leather gauntlet. "Homeward again, when the work Is done and the clouda are lifted. 1 spesk with no confidence to which the day doth aot entitle me. Tet, dear wife, were the price we asked a thousand tunes that which I shall demand of them, never theless they will pay it when any story I told. Ay. fear nothing. A house for a house aad for a dynasty deentaloa. Many a year la Bherwood forest have these about owned no king but Roy of Calverton, nor asked any right but the good service they yield to htm. la London city It shall not be different. The frteadabtp of the forest goea whh us, dear wife. Acooual It no lit tie thlag since it ksa given me my right to live." , keeking to eacourage her yet more, the story aaya, he began ve renew the J eat af arbara of Ollerton. MAX TEHBERTON. It. winning laughter of the group and a new promise of their fidelity, and, there from, he paseed to a new avowal ef his Intention. Tomorrow, very esrly In the morning, they would ride to the house of my lord of Taunton and there claim of the Janitor that hospitality which hsd been offered to them. And. being established In the bouae, it would remain to seek audi ence of the queen and to plead their cause before her. "They aay that ahe hath a right sense of Justice and will lend a ready ear to those thr.t come obediently. The Jails are already open to such as treason did not charge, and If there be a pardon, as I am told, my cams may well be written there. But I go to ber with other claims, dear wtfe, end they ahall make good what Is lacking In the law. She hath need of such service as I and mine ran give thle day. Nay, If the truth of it be aa I think, ber own case' Is no less perilous than ours. Let us press on, then, with good hearts. Tonder are tin lights and beyond them lies London town." They had passed the hills about Flnchley by this time and traversing the dangerous common In all security (they being forty In company and armed, moreover, as few that rode abroad In those days) they came now to that stretch of beatbland which border upon the northward heights of the city, and thence,- looking down through a break in the woods, tbey beheld many lanterna clustered together and above them a loom of crimson In the sky, as a red atar shining above the city of their desire. And It was here, while still speaking of their Intention, that they overtook others upon the road, and so en countered as sorrowful a spectacle as any which the Journey bad given them. For hereby an old man, seated upon a gray horse, waa being carried by the sheriff's men to Judgment; and asking of what clr cumstancs be was. ths men answered that It waa Maater Latimer, the bishop of Wor cester, being taken to bla trial upon a charge of heresy. Now, those In the north bsd heard but little at that time of any being accused for the faith's sake, nor wa It known to them that Parliament bad made new the forgotten statutes of heresy which Were of Henry's reign. The new queen, men said, would practice ber own faith, and leave all men to theirs; In which belief Roy of Calverton, caring as little for pope as for devil, set out with confidence to mock the fears ef those who warne'd him. But now, when he rode at the good bishop's side, he remembered the friendly words, and began to aak the old man, very cur iously, a to that which wa charged against him. Upon which Master Latimer, professing that bs knew not, if so be that the faith ef Christ wsre not a felony, went on to wonder that a man should ride Into London when h might ride out of It. "We go to a place of danger, airs, and Ood knowa what of his justlcs shall be our portion hereafter. It may be that this England of ours must sorely nsed those who know best how to befriend ber. I speak as it is given to me. The time I passed whea any servant of th Lord and Master may bold his place or cloak that which la entrusted to him." He went en to tell them how that Parlia ment had recalled the statutes, snd how a prying spirit was abroad, each man asking of bis neighbor, not of his love or charity, but of bis massing, and of what he said and did la the company of the priest. Yet so gentle was his word and so readily they found a fatherahlp of bla counsels. that even his guards gave a willing ear and bads htm not to be silent. "Be of good faith, tor In that shall your Justification be, masters. Let no man compel your 'aye' whea the book haa writ- tea 'nay.' And for me grieve not at all, for I hear my Master's voice, aad how aball I turn back when He Is calling me?" They answered him, "Ood guard thee, Maater Latimer, aad bring thee to thy home again;" and he, la turn, gave them blessing; while for Roy of Calverton aad Ldy Barbara, his wife, he added a word of prophecy, saying that bs would sooner hear of any othsr road than th one which car ried them to London city. "A place of peril, air I would even one should say to you, 'turn back, seek your home again,' evea aa the wlae mea were warned In the visions. Nevertheless, I speak In Ignorance, which ye may not ac count good friendship." He looked at my lady, the record aaya. and. observing bsr youth and prettiness and the fear which possessed her. he bade her be of good cheer, and the city's light, now ahlnlng very clearly la the vale below them, all cried, "London. London." and evea the horses preaaed on with lighter atep aa though yonder was the goal of their desire. CHAPTER H. These cariMie. Flatter and awear, deprave. Inform, Smile and betray. Ben Jonaox At o'clock on the following morning Roy of Calverton, bearing a letter from my lord of Tauntoa. came to the palace at 8t. J a mea. where the court wae thea hept. and disdaining any parley with the ushers, he demanded audience of her suajesty. To such challenged him at the gate and afterward in the ante-room be let It be knowa that the matter wa of grave argency, and kta manner being aot a little autbortutlva aad hia drees such aa rarely .,. " ll L J i ' bad been seen at Queen Mary' court, the aew of it was csrrisd quickly to my lord of Norfolk and afterward to Oardloer, the chancellor. "A meaeenger from the north upon aa affair of urgency; one that has been thirty hour In the saddle that ber majesty may have his tidings." Now, many mesaengers bad ridden In from the northern eountlee during the flrat year of Mary's reign, aad rare waa the day when eome news of the doubtful country did not come to the chancellor' ear te play upon hia apprehenelone or to awake bis fears, but of late report bad lulled him to some security and he bad begun to think ef an affair more pressing than that of the ahlremen and their complaints. For which reason one meaeenger the more gave him but little concern and, being unaware of any business which rightly might be named "urgent," he sent a page to the door to bid the Northman wait until euch time aa curiosity might conveniently be grateful. Bo behold Roy of Calverton in an ante room of the palace, looking patiently for the good hour when be must seek his pardon and declare the price of tt. Many years bad passed since last he set foot In London city. The glamour of pageantry aad all the splendor of dress about him seemed as a picture of the past which bs thought te have forgotten. In the old days, when, aa Count of Biives, his father bad presented him at the French klng'a court, he ha1 known, perchance, a scene more splendid, a life as full of Joyance and display a any which London could show him, but long years In Bherwood Foreet, the dominion of wood and thicket, the silenoe of the grovea had blotted the picture out, so that now, when It came again, It was as a thing un real, a puppet show into whose spirit he could not enter. ' A aturdy northman, the friend of liberty, blunt of speech, self-appointed guardian of the forest's Justice, he beheld this group of priests and esquires, of jesting womsn aad eelf-seeklng men, with that contempt of estats and authority which the forest faatness bad so truly taught him. And he. In turn, was observed by them as eloaely, pointed out as a rare fig ure for their gossip, remembered as Roy, ths outlaw, cstemed not a little for the cour age which carried him to that place. A king of men in stature, his long balr fall ing upon a cloak of Lincoln green, his vel vet cap tossed negligently to the seat be hind him, bis high boots of leather a Jest upon fashion his spurs of gold (for these were my lady's gifts to him), assuredly such a man bad not eecaped remark wherever ' circumstances bad placed blm. And of hia story, not a tittle was known even at the palace of St. James. He had ruled Sherwood as an outlaw, yet bad ruled It with a royal Justloe, msn said. Nsver had the poor and needy sought blm In vain; no abbey gate there was which did not open at bis knock; no priest who did net welcome him with blessing. And now be had come to London to crave that he might win pardon In those days of amnesty. Men wondered at auch temerity; the women, In their hearts, wished blm "Godspeed." He bad been promised audience, but a full hour passed before any word was aent to blm or the chancellor ao much as remem bered his request. Once, Indeed, be heard a great stir In the courtyard of the palace, and, looking from the window, be perceived a company of gentlemen upon horseback, and in the mldat of tbem the queen her self, dreassd very somberly la black and wearing that grave countenance of which report bad spoken with no kindness. But ths cavalcade passed out with little ob servation and no welcome of the people at the gate and thereafter another hour pasaed before Roy was summoned. When at laat a groom called him he answered with a word of raillery whlcb cloaked bin Im patience: ''Let not my lord so much aa mlsa a Patsrnoeter whea the safety of this kingdom bangs upon that which I ahall say to him. Nay, airs, I bad rather wait some day, yet If my lord's devotions be hindered by my coming I" They heard with aatonlshment, for few were bold enough to mock the chancellor publicly, but iloy of Calverton was ever bold in Jeat, and, knowing not what to aav to him, they led him to the audience and promised blm a gibbet for bis recompense. My lord of Wlnchestsr, but recently made lord high chancellor of England, has been shrewdly Judged by many that cams after him, but those of hie owa time bad yet to bear bis name with other feelings than those of some admiration tor a sealoua aervant of the faith and tor one who had paid for his fidelity by long years of dour imprisonment during Edward's relga. As Roy of Calverton found bim upon that moraing of January, la a little library ad joining the queen'e apartment, he wae a maa of thoughtful mlea. well filling ths capacious chair in which bs sat; one, mere over, who had ao little subtlety of grace and converaatton for tboee he fa vored. Schooled etnee bla youth to be a Judge of mea. he sat tor some while cast ing a cloae glance at the suppliant wbo now claimed right of audience, and when he bad satisfied' himself that It was an honest facs he put down the pen with which he had been toying and leaned back In his chair, that he might lietea patiently. "You eome upoa a matter of urgency," he said slowly, "and you are Roy, the out law of Calverton. A strange purpose, air. that brings the wolf to the cloister gate." Roy eeated himself at the table, so close to the chancellor that he eeald have put a band upon blm, and answered with touch readlaeaa. "Koy Caivertoft, aa year lordship aaya. I account it an boner that ray nam la known to you. Tet, my lord, It Is of others and not of myself that I come here to speak," The bishop, still leaning back In his chair and pressing bis finger tips together, took up the point adroitly. "Wisdom, Master Roy Indeed. I perceive you to be wise; for, let a little of your story be known, and her majesty's Judges may wish to hear both preface and con clusion." He observed the outlaw closely, meaning to hint at a threat, yet not to press it unless the need aroee. But Roy took up the worda and bluntly, as his fashion was, be grappled with the challenge. "Let tbem hear it when and where they pleaae. my lord. Am I not come to London for that? Let them say that I am Roy of Calverton, outlaw since Henry'e reign, the servant of the forest, the maater of the archers; ten years called 'King of Calver ton' by tbem that love me. Let them say that I am be who played the Jest, riding to save Barbara of Ollerton from my lord of Btowe, who would have compelled her to the altar. Let them say that I killed my lord In fair fight and am ready now to answer to those who have his honor in their keeping. Let them say that I have ridden now to London to serve my queen, in a matter where no other may help her. Ha! my lord, will your judges listen to that? The wolf ie at the cloister gate, as yon say, but those within would be wise to open. I speak an enigma; be It yours to read the riddle aright." Now, Gardiner, the chancellor, was ac customed to deal with diver orders of men with sycophants and dissemblers, and those that spoke the honeyed word or sought. In the garb of candor, to cloak thtlr disloyalties. But such a man as Roy of Calverton be had never met before. "Hath the wolf, then, lost bis teeth, that the brethren shall fondls him?" be asked, a smile upon his puckered face. "Nay, if I am to read the riddle aright, be It youre to help me, Maater Roy. And first of the queen's business. I were no true servsnt of her majesty to be desf to that. Speak and you shall find a ready listener, I promise you." Roy drew his chair close to ray lord's tsble, and, taking In hi hand a sheet of paper that lay thereon, be, to the chan cellor's great surprise, set down as thougb waiting for the other to writs. "My lord," bs said, "you bid me be frank with you, and I make baste to comply. Pledge me there security for my wife's es tate and for myself a pardon and I will speak with all my heart." s It was a bold offer of a compact and in that sense my lord was quick to be sus picious of it. "Ha!" be exclaimed, "this king of Cal verton dictates, then, to bis unwilling sub jects!" "Not so, my lord, but as a faithful sub ject be offers them yeoman service." "Upon a matter wherein they are ig norant " "But wherein they may be enlightened before the hour has passed" "Having security of an outlaw's word?" "Of the word of a tnan who never yet lied, my lord." "Yet who is afraid to speak the truth. Come, what security have I?" "The honor of a man wbo will answer tor that honor to any in England. Write me the pardon and I will save Queen Mary's throne this day. Write It not, my lord, and the month shall And you old in re gret. I speak an enigma; God grant that others may not answer ths riddle for me!" He spoke with sn unwonted earnestness, putting off for the nonce that air of se curity and command so habitual to hire. And my lord, who was quick to judge men, said in hia heart, "This fellow comes with great tidings." Nevertheless, the manner of It waa so strsnge, the threads were so many, that hs must cloak hia Impatience. And so be fell to tbe subtler mood again. "They aay that Barbara of Ollerton Is not of tbe faith." bs basarded, looking tbe other full In the face. "Does she ride into London, then, at such a tlmsV "My lord, a woman is of bsr husband's faith; If not, tbsn hath aba no faith at all!" The chancellor sighed. "And being of her husband's faith Is not afraid to shsre her husband's peril?" "There is no woman in this kingdom to day lees afraid be it of queen or chancel lor than Barbara of Ollerton!" The chancellor laughed at tbe taunt Tbe oddness of It pleased him. they say. "By tbe word of Christ," he ixclslmed, "I do believe you truly!" "And believing will write as I wish." He asked It very earnestly, but my lord, fencing with bim still, took up his pen and very deliberately began to make a new point upon it. "Master Roy." eald he at last. "I will be very plain with you. Tbe death of the lord of Stowe and that which you did In Bernard's bouse waa made known to us by messenger but yesterday. Imagine, then, what little hope I bad of seeing In London this day the man against whom sucb things re cnergeu. still less was It In my thoughts that he might come with promisee aad threats, aa one who I the master of the Judgee. I should be no true friend of youre did I hide It from you that you are la eome danger here er tf I forbear to say tbst the mistress of Ollerton bsd been wiser to avoid the city. But you are here, aad you geek a compact, and. . 1 must answer for her majeaty. Let me hear ef your tidings and t will answer you upon the Instant at what price they are to be valued. Are we not as two that barter, while one has not seen the merchandise which the other would sell?'' Now Koy perceived the Intent of It and nimbly turning the words be yet replied In all honesty: "Ye have not aeen the merchandise, truly nor I th money. A you are plain, so will I be plain, my lord. Set your name to the bond I seek and I will change with you the promise of Roy of Calverton that never yet vim broken. Nay, more, I will tell you of men In arms across the border, of a company of brawlers that shall ride up from the south presently to cry a name which Is not of the queen we serve: ay, and of a standard lifted In the midlands gainst this Spanish marriage you wot of. I will speak, my lord, of men and tidings whlcb, and you hearken not, may bring an other chancellor within the month, who will not ask the faith of Barbara of Oller ton, nor say that she Is wlae to quit the city. Is It a bond, my lord? Doth thle matter concern you? Ah, surely, the mer chandise Is well If. for lack of it, you And yourself a beggar!" He spoke with much exultation, says the record, wearing that air of klngebip he had won of the forest. No Judge or prison In all the kingdom had affrighted Roy of Calverton that day. Even the chancellor began to see with how strange a suppliant be must deal. Nevertheless be remained the master of soft speech, the plessant, smiling eccleclastic. "HATH THE QVEEN THEN NO WAY "God's word, an odd story!" he exclaimed. "Aye, so odd that tbe queen must bear It this very morning. 8urely you will spesk of this matter to the queen, friend?" Roy touched the paper with his hand. "Tbe pledge, my lord when the pledge be written" But the chancellor thrust the paper from bim. "Not so," he cried, "bond or no bond, this story shall be told!" And then, leaning across the table and apeaking with finger outstretched, he aald: "Hath the queen, then, no way of making the unwilling speak?" He bad meant to say "the torture shall compel," but tbe outlaw's merry humor was a blow upon his conceit. "The very words, my lord, one spoken by the sheriff of Nottingham. 'By my beard,' was his oath, 'this king of Calverton shall hang at Robln'a Oak!' Tbe sun bad not set ere he lacked a beard to awear by!" He laughed at the remembranoe, and my lord, being won by tbe jeat, muat laugh, too,- despite bis dignity. "Nay, Ood be thanked, I have no beard that you ahall treat me ao, friend Roy. Tbese plainly be hidings wbtcb must come to her msjesty's ears without delay. I go to ber upon the Instant. Perchance I may find her willing to write the pardon of mm mai waa to nang ai rtooin s uaa. He called to one of bis pages and thus would intimate that their talk waa done. But Roy had yet a word to add. "The pardon of Roy of Calverton and for Barbara of Ollerton aecurlty In ber aetata." "8he being of her husband's faith?" "Aye, of the faltb which teaches her to believe In the God of Justice, my lord." The chancellor shook bis bead and when Roy waa gone and others came In to tell him that the queen bad then returned from riding he said to tbem: "Assuredly, I have ssen a maa tbla day!" CHAPTER III. There's no wsnt ef meat, sir. Maaslnger. Barbara of Ollerton awaited ber lover with all a woman'a expectancy on that morning when be set out to win hia pardon of the chancellor and to aeek, If It might be, the security of her estats. From ber window In my lord of Taunton's bouse, whlcb lleth but a stons's throw from tbe village of Charing, she watched tbe busy psopls passing, ths gallsots upon horse back, the brawling apprentices, tbe sober merchant, the multitude of priests, the women upon their pillions all that merry scene which spoke of London's wealth and London's gaysttes. A wlnnlug figure in her gown of violet, with aable furs about ber pretty neck, and a Jewel wblch found a coronal of gold In ber abundant hair, nons the less her prettiness could not cloak anxiety nor banish from her wistful eyee tbe story of that hour. Aa tbe day waxed older and Roy did not come to her, and still she found new excuses for bim, ths shsdow which bad loomed ever ber sines she quitted Ollerton became a cloud of deep foreboding, an omea which ao cour age might turn. Now, there was nons la my lord'a house hold ssve the eervsnts and a sleek at ward tbey called the Abbot Parkenham, and be was a man who had been turned from tbe monasteries la Henry's dsy and now had become philosopher, suffering himself to eat and drink right well at bla master ex penaa, "because," be ssld, "ths Lord so willed It." A monstrous lean man. whe shuffled In his step and had eyes deepest In bla besd and went star-gating often be was a doleful pessimist indeed, and ao word of comfort could be speak for my lady's consolation. "Ths house ie opea to you, mistress, ss my lord commands. Here you aball do well la the Besh, If that be of any moweat to you. Were I of the world I would oay that the wines are of France and the table well kept But I care for none of these things, nor would I concern myself with earthly subtleties. Assuredly, my child, we are as the sparks which fly upward a little while in brightness and then but ashes!" Now, my Lady Barbaras laughter an swered this very doleful fellow with a philosophy very strange to him. "These things msy be nothing to you, abbot," she said, "but I am no apark whlcb filsth upward, nor will I seek the heavens when those dear to me are still the children of the earth. Is it aught to me that the wines are of France and the table well kept when he that I love will Imperil Ms lite for the sake of that affection he bears to me? Nay. all my heaven 1 at the palace this hour. What philosophy can apeak for a young girl's heart? Indeed, you show me a withered parchment while I would cry for roses, to wear them on my heart until love shall pluck them thence again." She spoke with a courage which surprised blm, for be, dolorous alwaye, could but abake bis bead upon this madness of ber love. "Nay," be aald, "where aball one pluck rosea In the winter of the year? You speak of things but little known to me, daughter. If your husband, Indeed, be gone to the palace to seek a favor, I wonder not at your Impatience. I will not counsel hope, for what right have I? So the gods jest with us. We live In dangerous times, when be who prayed yeaterday aball himself be prayed for tomorrow." ' He went on. In ghostly word, to tell ber OF MAKING THE UNWILLING BPEAK?" of the times; bow that a spirit of unrest waa abroad In the city, men beginning te question each other for tbe faith' sake and no man speaking freely of that which was In his heart. "You, that are of the heretics wbst seek you In London, my child? For myself, I care for none of these things. I am not of the world. If the heavens glvs me many gods, what are those of tbe priest te ms! But you ar young, your story Is known, you will .not pass without the question. For that, perchance, your husband lingers still at the palace. I speak of what may befall. You were wiser to leave tbe city, my lady, now, when the gate la open!" My lady, who stood at tbe window while be spoke, joyfully clapped ber banda for answer and ran swiftly from the room. "Tbe gate. Indeed, Is open," she cried, "but it la my dear husband who rides In!" It was a true word, for Roy of Calverton, as she aald, had then returned from tbe palace. Accompanied by many of those who hsd followed blm from Sherwood forest Mesgre, the dwarf, and Rene, the page; John, the hermit, aad one tbey called Tbe Knight of tbe Silver Bow, monka become archera aad archers who never would be monk with theae about blm and tbelr own warm worda of welcome In his ear tbe outUw croM4a tn thre,hold ,0(! ,Bere beard the better greeting. "Roy. dearest. It U thou! Nay, hadst thou delayed, I had died for very cruelty of waiting! Tell ma 'tis well with tBee. dear husband!" She lifted a child' face to his and whlla be took ber In his arm he mad basts to satisfy her curiosity. "Thrice well, beloved! My tidings are of tbe best! Here Is a chancellor so curious that be must run to the queen like chicken to a hen! Could aught befall with better promise? Queen Mary bonorsd the father's name; she may yet receive the aon. Let the next hour bring tbe summons; it shall not surprise me, sweet, for wbst miracle la left in life now that thou art glvea to met" So, gladly, be gave ber comfort, snd with this aad othsr talk of her content, with woman's questions upon tbe palace, and tbe dresses of the serving women and tbe bearing of the gallants, with a hundred promisee for tomorrow and mention of Ollerton and of that wblch they would do when tbey were come home again, Roy led ber Into the house, and began, both for ber pleasure and ths abbot's, to spesk more particularly of hfcs welcome at St. James. "A shrewd msn, my Lord Gardiner, yet little acquainted with honesty. Plain speech affright blm. He I aver at war with the word, asking 'How tar does tbls man Its; with thst deceit shall I answer blm?' I played a merry staff snd down be went aa my bumpkin! 'Twas all a fence of apeecb, dear heart, ao that wbea I engaged he covered more clos ly. But I won him In the end. for I have left blm curious, aad when be baa gotten the better of bis surprise to find one that apeaks ths truth, ha will come to us!" "Ood grant it!" she said earnestly, "God grant it, dear Roy! There ta no musle for my ears like tbls report you bear me. Oh, charge me not that I have waited faint heartedly! Is It not all to me, this bops f yours, that tomorrow may send us to Ollerton again, to ths home wherein eur love was born? I am ao child of th cities aor would 1 be. Gladly would I go from London, Roy now, tblss very hour, if that might be!" A deep love spake to him la the words, aad he knew what desire of flight came tbua early to trouble her. Bhe dwelt a till pea bla peril. This Loadoa city waa but What One Young Man Did . . . . Twenty years ago a young man, wbo was then 23 yeers of age. took out an Endowment Pollry In the Equitable for 11.000, and paid the first year's rremlum, $17.68. Every year since then he has paid a similar amount, until altogether he has paid, and, by sos doing, has laid away flinS.fio. a small amount to eve In twenty yenra, you will. say, but It Is made up of small sums that probably would have been frittered away if be hsd not been compelled to save them on ac count of bis policy. This year, after enjoying the pro tection of $1,000 for twenty years, hia policy matures, and he may himself draw the $1,000 In rash. But this I not all. In addition to the face of the policy, the policy, holder may now receive his share of the surplus profits. The total result to him Is a return of all his premi ums, together with a fair rate of In terest. If he prefers life assurance to cash he may (subject to the usual conditions) take a fully paid-up policy for more than three times the amount he has paid In premiums. You can do as well or better. Nine Young Men out of ten never save anything un less forced to do so. LET t'B SHOW YOU HOW AND WHY. The Equitable Life H, D, NEELY Manager for Kebrsiks, Merchants Nat'l Bank Building, OMAHA. a mighty prison to her; In the woods of Ollerton liberty must be won. "Today or tomorrow, we will not count the hours, dear wife," he said very earnestly; "wouldst thou' go from London ere we have so much aa heard the appren tices bawl in Cheap or peeped Into the shops of the goldsmiths? Nay, what says our good friend, the abbot? Wert thou la my case, most reverend sir, would ye ride from town without a wench's fsrdel In your wallet? God's truth, thy sack would burst with trinkets for every pretty maid that danced at Sherwood!" Now, tbe Abbot Parkenham, who cared for none of these things, waa right angered at the charge, but, passing by tbe raillery, which be knew not bow to answer, be pre ferred to apeak of the chancellor. "I count it no good omen," he eald, "that you had not an answer from the bishop. ' It may even befall that such tid ings as you would bring to him were made known by others, In which case I ' would not hold It from you that you may find a changing welcome when next you go to St. James. There Is a tide of circumstance which we do well to take ship upon. The gratitude of atatesmen Is but a poor staff, my friend! Trust not to It when next you seek the chsneellor's sar." He was glad to provoke a doubt and reservation, but Roy, who bad no kinship with prudence,, turned a deaf ear to all that endeavor "Nay, I will bear a atouter staff, my fstber, and It ahall crack many a good poll If tbe need ariae! Speak rather of dinner, for your chancellor hath given me a doughty appetite." Right readily, say the record, did the worthy abbot bestir the servant upon auch a pleasant errand.. He, who cared for none of these things, sat, when tbe half of an hour bad pasaed, cup In hand, above a board so generous that even his heaven of stars bad twinkled merrily beholding it. For there were rounds of beef and carcasses of mutton, salt fisnea and sturgeon, swsns and capons, pescocks and mallards, widgeons and teal. And there were great flagons of wine and vaat loaves and cups of frothing ale, and dlsh?s of sliver and chalices of gold, snd sucb a splendor of serving men and pagea that the queen's palacs Itself bad not been disgraced by that display. For tbe first time now, perchance, the Lady Barbara began to temper her dread of this great city, and of all the murmur of life which came up to ber from its streets. Great friends she hsd; so much was not to be disputed. In the friendship of greet nsmes. In the kinship of nobles of tbs north, but chief above these in the love and fidelity of the courageous heart so near to ber own, In the love of a msn whose laugh ter wrestled with every peril, whose Jest capped every threat. In these a new truth of confidence was born. Feasted there, in thst grest ball, with Roy of Calverton to anticipate every unspoken wish, with a glitter of riches about her. ths pomp and circumstance of a noble's house at hsr com mand, she might well bsve believed her self beyond the reach even of those ene mies who bad driven her from her borne and followed her to thla city. In the old time at Ollerton, Master Eleazer, tbe mln later, bsd preached a goodly discourse opoa the text, "Who is be who ran barm ye t we be followers of that which Is good." My lady, neatllng close to Roy of Cat. verton, asked, Indeed, who ahoold harm that stout heart or war upon tbs freedom of the forest's king! (To Be Continued.) The Iters Pareat. Chicago Tribune: "Johnny," said his fstber, "you hava disobeyed your mother again. Come out with me to the barn." Johnny complied. There waa a woodshed on the premises. but ths stern parent preferred tbe barn. He bent bis disobedient boy across his base and proceeded to punish blm In tbe ordinary method. "Oh. that hurts!" screamed Johnny. "I know it, my son." replied ths father. "It hurts you (whack!) a great deal worse (whack!) that It hurts me (whack! whaok), and I'm glad It doe!" (whack! whack 1 whack!)