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About Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922 | View Entire Issue (Nov. 27, 1898)
10 T'Hlfl OMAHA DAILY BEE : SUNDAY , NOVEMBER 137 , 18 H. By 5. R.Crocket f > MJTXW or te awoeu * SYNOPSIS OF PRECEDING CHAPTER William , sixth carl of Douglofl , In croa \ng \ his estates , chances upon a bcnutlf lady , oho of tlio rotlnuc of the French nn basiiador , who Is on Ills wny to Edlnburg The young carl loses his heart to the fa lady , and , on the point of promising to t with her to the court of tt Scottish kin R : , he Is forcibly carried aw a under cover nf a heavy storm , by Mail : McKIm , the Douglas armorer , and Abbo William Douglas , who think the lady witch. On the following- day at the great revle of 10,000 Douglas retainers the carl agal meets the I ady Sybllla , and at once mnki her the Queen of Beauty. Sholto McKIr on of the armorer , distinguishes him so In archery and Is made captain of the cast guard. Bholto falls In love with Mat XJndcsay , mold of honor to the carl's slstr and , on the llrst night of his stewardshl proves his valor by wounding a huge an mat , which has frightened the young ladle The next day the French ambassador Busplclounly 111 , but Lady Sybllla , ticcon panted by the three Douglas cousins , rld < away to witness the second day's tourne in the precincts of the castla of Thrlov winning on the way the coveted promls from William to accompany her to Edli burgh. Bholto's archer guards protect tl castle halls , wound a servant of the Frenc ambassador and keep Maud Llndcsay an her charge Imprisoned by mistake all da ; On the third day the Douglas cousins cntt the lists , as also the French ambassado who foully casts his spear at the your e&rl of Dougloi ) and wounds him. In tl combat that follows Sholto shows nuc bravery that he Is knighted. On the retur to the castle Maud Llndcsay playfully bit farewell to the Sholto of old and only a ] peases his subsequent wrath by assuring loving penitence , CHAI'TISU XXV. The Dog * and the Wolf Hold Coancl It was a week or two after the date < the great Wappcnshaxv and tourney at . tl castle of Thrlevo that In the midmost goidc haze of a summer's afternoon four men si talking together about a table la a roe : of the royal palace of Stirling. No one of the four was any longer youni and one at least was Immoderately fa This" was James , carl of Avondale , grant undo of the earl of Douglas , and save fc David , the earl's brother , nearest belr to tl tltlo and estates and honors pertalnlr thereto , with the slsglo exception of tt lordship of Galloway. The other three were Sir Acxand ! < Livingston , the guardian of the king's pel son , n handsome man with a curled bear who was supposed to stand high In the In mediate favor of the queen and who wi tutor to his majesty as well as the guardta of his person. Opposite to Livingston an carefully avoiding hla cyo , sat a man of thin and foxy aspect , whose smooth fac small , shifty mouth and perilous trlanguk yes marked him as a man Infinitely moi dangerous than either of the former S William Crlcbton , chancellor at the reali of Scotland. The fourth was speaking , and his aspec strange and oftlmes terrifying. Is alroad familiar to us. But the pallid , corps < like face , the blue-black beard , the wll bout look In the eyes of the Marshal ( Hot/ , ambassador of the king of Franc wore now more than over hlghtencd In effe < by the studied suavity of demeanor wit which he was clothing what he had to sa ; "I have brought you together after takln counsel with my good lord of Avondale. m aware , most noble seigneurs that tbei have been differences between you In U pait s to the conduct of the affairs of th great kingdom ; but I am obeying both tt direct wishes and the express commands i mf own king In endeavoring to bring yo to an agreement. You will not forget th : the dauphin of France Is wedded to tt Scottish princess nearest the throne an that , therefore bo Is not unconcerned In tt welfare of this realm. " "Now , messieurs , It cannot bo hid fro : you that there Is one overriding and In Utent peril which ought to put an end t all your misunderstandings. There la young man In this land , more powerful tha you or the king or all the powers legalize and established within the bounds of Seal land. " "Who Is above * ho law , gentlemen ? name to you the carl of Douglas , who bat a retinue ten times more magnificent tha Uiat with which the king rides forth. Tt carl of Douglas , who possesses more tha half of Scotland , and that part the faire ; and richest. Who holds In his hands nil tt trong castles , la joined by bond of servlc and manrent with the moat powerful noble of the land who , but the earl of Dougla duke of Touralne , warden of the marche ; hereditary lieutenant general of the king doml" At this point the crafty eyes of Crlchtei the chancellor , were turned full upon it speaker. HU hands tugged nervously at h thin , reddish beard , as If tt had been comt Ing the long goat's tuft which grew beneat hi * smooth chin. "And did ydu yourself come all the wa from France to endue him with the duch of Touralne ? " he said. "Doth that look 11V pulling him down from his high s at ? " The marshal moved a politic hand as asking allenco till ho had finished his planatlon. "Pardon , " ho said , "permit me yet moment , most high chancellor , but have yn heard so little of the deep skill anil craft < Louis our tnoat notable dauphin , that yc know not bow he ever embraces men wit th * left arm whilst ho plercea them with dagger In his right ? " The chancellor nodded appreciation , was .a detail of statecraft well known I him , and much practiced by his house In a periods of their history. "Now , my lords , " the ambassador cot tlcued , "you are here all three the me Annual 8sle ovvr 6,000000 Box * * FOB BILIOUS 1HD HERVOUB DI80BDEB3 such as Wind and Fain la the Ptomnch. Giddiness , Fulness after moats , Iload- aoue. UizzlnoBS , Drowtlnesa. Flunhlma of Ueat , Loss of Appetite * Cofttlvourss. Blotches on the Bkln , Cold Chills , Dis turbed Bleep , Frightful Dreams and nil Nervous aud Trembling Sensations. THE HB3T D03E WILL GIVE BELIEF IN TWENTY MINUTES. Every sufferer will acknowledge thum to bo , A WONDERFUL MEDICINE. BEECHAJT8 PILLS , taken na direct , d , will quickly restore Females to com * plcto health. They promptly romova obstructions or irregularities of the sys tem pad cure hick HcMdache. For a Weak Stomach Impaired Digestion Disordered Liver IN MKNi WOMEN ON CHILDKKN chain's Pills are Without a Rival And bit * tb LARGEST SALE f Mr FateBt M vUlclne IR the ITorUU at all ,0ruc Stores. ' who need most to end this matter you , n lord of Avondale , will you deign to dellv your mind upon the matter ? " The fat carl hemmed and hawed , ctearli his throat and knitting and unknlttlng h fingers over hla stomach. "Doing a near kinsman , " he said at lai "It U not seemly that I should say aug against the ear ) of Douglas , but this I knc there will bo no peace In Scotland till th young man and his brother are both c off. " The chancellor and De Retz exchang glances. The anxiety of the next-to-kin the title of earl of Douglas tor the pea and prosperity of the realm seemed to strl ! them both as exceedingly natural In the cl cumstances. "And now , Sir Alexander , what say you asked the Sleur de Retz , turning to I king's guardian , who had been caressing t ! curls of his beard with his white ai slgneted hand. "I agree , " ho replied , in a. courtly tot "that In the Interests of the king and of t noble lady whose care for her child hath 1 her to such "sacrifices , we ought to put limit to the pride and Insolence of tt youth ! " The chancellor bent over a parchment hide a smile at the sacrifices which t ! queen mother had made for her son. "It Is doubtless. " Bald Sir Wlllla Crlchton , "a sacrifice that the king and I mother should dwell so long within tt castle of Stirling , exposed to every ru blast from these barren Grampians. L her bring him to the mild and equltab climate of Edinburgh , which , as I am su your excellency must have observed , peculiarly suited to the rearing of au tender plants. " He appealed < to the Sleur do Retz. The marshal bowed , and answered 1mm dlately , "Indeed , It reminds mo of t sunniest and most favored part of my natl France. " The' tutor of the king looked somewh uncomfortable at the suggestion , and shoi his head. Ho had no Idea of putting t ! king of Scots within the power of his ar enemy in his strong fortress of Bdlnburg Dut the Frenchman broke In before the effects of the chancellor's speech had tin to turn the mind of the king's guardli from the present project against the ea of Douglas. "But , surely , gentlemen , It should not difficult for two such honorable men to unl In destroying this curse of the commonwe and afterward to settle any dlffercnc which may in the past have arisen betwe themselves. "Good , " said the chancellor , "you spei well. But how are we to bring the ea within our danger. Already I have sent hi offers of alliance , and so , I doubt not. ha mine honorable friend , the tutor of the kin You know won what answer the proud cbl of Douglas returned. " The lips of Sir Alexander Llvlngwi moved. He seemed to be taking some bltt and nauseous drug of the apothecary. "Yes , Sir Alexander , I see you have n forgot. The words , 'If dog eat dog , wb should the lion care ? ' made us every catlfl feoff throughout broad Scotland. " "For that he will suffer if God give n speed , " said the tutor , for , the answer w , repeated to the queen , who , being Englls laughed at the wit of the reply. "I would that my boy shouM grow i eucb asthat , Earl Douglas ! " said she. The tutor stroked bis beard faster tbt ever and there was In his eye * the bltt look of a handsome man , whose vanity wounded In its weakest place. "But after all , who Is to cage the lion' said the chancellor pertinently. The marshal of France raised his hat from the table as If commanding slTenc His suave and courtier-like demeanor hi changed into something more natural. The : came the gaunt forward thrust of a wolf < the trail Into the eot of hs ! head. His lot teeth gleamed and his eyelids closed don upon his eyes till they bccamo mere twlnl ling points "I have that at hand which hath alreac tamed the Won , and la able to lead him In' the cage with cords of silk. " He rose from the table , and going to curtain that concealed the narrow door an antechamber , he drew it aalde and the : come forth , clothed In a garment of gold at green , close-fitting and fine , clasped abe the waist with the twining belt of snake the Lady Sybllla. CH AFT Ell XXVI. The Lion Tamer , On this summer afternoon the girl's beau1 seemed more wondrous and magical tbi over. Her eyes were purple black like tl berries of the deadly nightshade seen the twilight. Her face was pale , and tl ecarlct of her lips lay like twin geranlu petals on new fallen snow. Gllles do Retz ( allowed her with a certa grim and ghastly pride as he marked tl sensation caused by her entrance. "This , " ho eald , "Is my lion tamer ! " But the girl never looked at him nor any way responded to his glances. "Sybllla , " suld De Retz , holding her wl his eyes , "these gentlemen are with t They also are of the enemies of the hou of Douglas speak freely that which Is your heart ! " " My lords , " said the Lady Sybllla , speal Ing in a level voice- and with her eyes Bxi on the leaf-shadowed square of green whli alone could be seen through the open wli dow , "you have , I doubt not , each declar your grievance against William , earl Douglas. I alone have none. He Is a ga lant gentleman. France I have travele Spain also and Portugal , and explored tl utmost east , wherever Indeed my lord Retz hath voyaged. But no braver or mo chivalrous youth than William Douglas ha1 I found. I have no grievance against him . I say. yet for that which bath been will deliver him Into your hands. Ono of the men before her grew man festly uneasy. "We did not come hither to listen to tl praises of the carl of Douglas , even fro llpe eo fair as yours ! " encered Crlchton , tl chancellor , lifting his eyes one moment fro the parchment before him to the girl's fac "He Is our enemy , " eald the tutor of tl king , Alexander Livingston , more gone ously , "but I will never deny that he U gallant youth. Also of hit person proper look upon. " And very complacently he smoothed do * the lace , ruffles which fell from the ne < of his silken doublet midway down Its froc "The young man U a Dougla * , " sa James tha Grose , curtly. "It he were ' coward breed < wo had not needed to con hither ! " "It needeth not four butchers to kill sheep ! " said De Retz. "Concerning that * agree. Proceed'my Lady Sybllla. " The girl was now breathing more quick ! her bosom rising and falling. "Yet because of those that have been i the house of Douglas before him , shall have no pity upon William , sixth ea thereof ! And because of two dead duk < of Touralne , will I deliver to you th thli duke , Into whoso mouth hath hardly yet come tha proper gust of living. This la the ta ! I have hoard a thousand times ) There was In France , It skills not where , A vale quiet as a summer Sabbath day , The vlnM hung rlpo clustered. The olives rustled gray on the slopes. The bell swung la the monastery tower , and the cottage In the dell was safe as the chateau on the hill. Then came the foreign leader of an army , and lo ! In a day , there were a hundred dead men In the valley , all honorable men , lain In defense of their own doors. The flicker of flames broke through the roof In the daylight. There was heard the crying of women , And the man who wrought this was an earl of Douglas. " The girl paused , and la a low whisper , Intense as the breathing of the sea , she said : "And for this will I deliver Into your hands William of Douglas. " Then her voice came again lo the cars of the four listeners , In a note low and mo notonous , llko the wind that goes about the house on autumn evenings. "There was one who , being but a child , had escaped from that tumult and had found shelter In a white convent with the slsurs , who taught her to pray and be hnpi y In the peace of the hour that is ex- actl ] ' llko the one before It. The shadow of ine dial finger upon the stone was not more peaceful that the holy round of her ilra "There came ono who met her by the con vent wall , met her under the shade of the orchard trees , till his soul had power over hers. She followed him by camp and city , fearing no man's scorn , feeling no woman's reproach for his sake. And at last he cast her away , like an empty husk , and sailed over the seas to his own land. She was my mother. " "And for this will I reckon with William , duke of Touralne. " She ceased and De Retz began to speak. "Twenty years ago I gave shelter to this girl's mother and she herself hath been to me as a daughter. By me she has been taught the deepest wisdom of the ancients. I haVe delved deep In the lore of ages that this maiden might be fitted for her task. For I also that am a marshal of France and of kin to my lord duke of Brittany , have a score to settls with William , earl of Doug las as hath also my master , Louis the Dauphin. " "U is enough , " Interjected Crlchton , the chancellor , who had listened to the recl'al of the Lady Sybllla with manifest Impa tience. "It Is the old story the Bins ol the father are upon the children. And this young man must suffer for those that went before him. They drank of the full cup and so he hath come to the drains. II skills not why we desire to make an end ol him. We are agreed on the fact. The question is how. " It was the volco of De Retz which re plied , the deep silence of afternoon resting like a weight on the other * . "If wo write him a letter InvlUng him to come to the castle of Edinburgh he win as suredly not come , but If we first entertain , with open courtesy , at one of your caatlee on the way , where you put yourself whollj In his hands , he will suspect nothing There , when all his suspicions are lulled , he shan meet the Lady Sybllla. It will real with her to bring him to Edinburgh. " The chancellor bad been busily writing on the parchment before him whilst De Ret ] was speaking. Presently he held up his band , and read aloud that which he had written. "To the most noble William , earl ol Douglas and duke of Touralne , greeting ! In the name of King James the Second , whore God preserve , and In order that the realm may have peace. Sir Winiam Crlchton , chan cellor of Scotland , and Sir Alexander Liv ingston , governor of the king's person , ' dc Invite and humbly entreat the earl of Doug- last to come to the city of Edinburgh , wltt such following as shall seem good to him , In order that he may be duly Invested wltt * the office of lieutenant general of the king dom , which office was bis father's before him. So shall the realm abide In peace , ant ! evil-doers be put down , the peaceable pre vented with power and the earl of Douglas eland la the honorable place of his fore bears. " The chancellor finished his reading and looked around for approbation. James ol Avondaro was nodding gravely. De Retz , with < a ghastly cmlle on his face , sremed to be weighing the phrases. Livingston , wltb a self-eatlsfled smile , was admiring the pink ish lights upon bis flnger nails , and the girl , with a steady aspect , was gazing , as before , out of the window Into the green close wherein the leaves etlrrcd and the shadows bad begun to swim on the grass with the wind from off the sea. "To this I would add as followeth , " con tinued Crlchton. "The chancellor of Scot land to William , earl of Douglas , greeting and Sir William Crlchton ventures to hope that the earl of Douglas will do him the great honor to come to hla new castle ol Crlchton , there to be entertained as be- seemeth his dignity , to the healing of all ' ancient enmities , and also to do honor to the i ambassador of the king of France ere he cot all again for hla own land. " "H 1s a worthy epistle , " said James , the Gross , who , being sleepy , wished for an end to be made. "There Is , at least. In It no lack of the chancellor of Scotland , ' sneered Living ston , covertly. "Gently , gently , great sirs. " Interposed De Retz , as the chancellor looked up with anger In his eye. "have out your quarrels as you will after the snapping of the trap. Remember that this which we do is a mat ter'of life or death. " "But the Douglases will waab us off the face of Scotland If we co much as lay a hand on the earl , " objected Livingston , "it might even affect the safety of his majesty's person ! " James the Dross laughed a low laugh and looked at Crlchton. "Perhaps , " he said , "but what U the gallant David go with his brother ? Who ever shall be earl of Douglas will easily prevent that. Also Angus Is for us , and my Lord Maxwell will move no hnnd. There rcmalna , therefore , only Galloway , and my son William will answer for that. I , my self , am old and fat and love not fighting , but this shall bo my part , and assuredly tiot the least. " All this while tfho Lady Sybllla bad been standing motionless , gazing out of the win dow. De Retz now motioned her away with an almost Imperceptible movement of his hand , whereat Sir Alexander Living ston , seeing the girl about to leave the chamber of council , coutcously rose to usher her out. And with the slightest acknowl edgment of his obeisance , Sybllla de Thouars wont out and left the four men to their council of treachery and death. CIIAPTKIl XXVII. The Yonntc I.oriU Itltlc Awny. This was the letter which , with the chan cellor's Invitation , came to the hand of the Earl William as he rode forth to the deer hunting ono morning from his castle of Thrlevo : "My Lord If It be not that you have whol'ly forgotten mo and your promise , this comes to Inform you that' ' my undo and I purpose to abide at the castle of Crlchton for ten days before finally departing forth of this land. H Is known to mo that the chancellor , moved thereto by ouo who desires - sires much to see you , hath Invited the earl of Douglas to come thither with what routine is well beseeming to so great a lord. "But 'tis beyond hope that wo should meet In this manner. My lord hath doubtless ere this forgot all that was between us , and hath already seen oth/s more worthy of his courteous regard than the Lady Sybllla. This Is as well beseems a mighty lords who takoth up a cup full and setteth It down empty. But a woman hath naught to do , save only to remember the things that have been and think upon them. Grace be to you , my dear lord , and so for this tine and It may bo forever , fare you well ! " When the earl had read this letter from the Lady Sybllla , he turned himself In his saddle without delay and said : "Take back the hounds , we will not hunt the stag this day. " The messenger stood respectfully before him waiting to take back an answer. "Come you from the town of Edinburgh , " asked the earl quickly. "Nay , " said the youth , "let It please your greatness , I am a servant of my lord of Crlchton , and come from his new castle In tbo dowdens. " "Doth the chancellor abide there at this present ? " asked the earl. "He came two days ago with but one at tendant , and bade us make ready for a great company who were to arrive there this very day. Then he gave me these two letters and set my head on the safe delivery of them. " "Sholto , " cried the young lord , "summon . Take all that the guard and men-at-arms. can bo spared from the defense of the castla and make ready to follow me. I ride Im mediately to visit the chancellor of Scotland at his castle In the Lothlans. It was Sholto's duty to obey , foul bis heart sank within him , both at the thought of the earl thus venturing among his enemies , and also because ho must leave behind him Maud Llndesay , on whoso willful , wayward self his heart was set. "My lord , " ho stammered , "permit me one word. Were < lt not better to wait till a following of knights and gentlemen beseem ing the earl of Dnuglas should be brought together to accompany you on such a Jour ney ? " "Do as I bid you , sir captain , " was th earl's short rejoinder , "you have my orJers. " "O , that the abbot were hero , " thought Sholto as ho moved heavily to do hla master's business , "he might reason with the earl with some hope of success. " On his way to summon the guard he met Maud Llndesay golug out to twine gowana with the maid on the meadows about tne mains of Relton , for as Margaret Douglas complained , "all ours on the Isle were trod den down by the men who came to the tourney , and they have not grown up again. " "Whither away so gloomy , sir knight ? " cried Maud , all her winsome face alight with Joy In the bright day , and the excellent Joy of living. "On a most gloomy errand. " said Sho'to , "ray lord rldea with a small company Into the very stronghold of his enemy and will hear no word from any ! " "And do you go with him ? " cried Maud , her bright color leaving her face. "Not only I but all that can be spared of the men-at-arms and of the archer guard ! " answered ShoUo. Maud Llndesay turned about and took the little girl's hand. "Margaret , " she said , "let us go to ray lady. Perhaps she will be able to keep my Lord William at home. " So they went back to the chamber of my lady of Douglas. Now , the countess hid never been of great Inuflence with her son even In her husband's lifetime , and bad certainly none with him since. Still , It was possible that William Douglas might at least listen to advice and delay his setting out till a suitable retinue could be brought to gether to protect htm. Maud and Mirgaret found the lady of Douglas busily embroider ing a vestment of silk and gold for the abbot. She laid aside her work and lis tened with gentle patience to the hasty tale told by Maud Llndesay. "I will speak with William , " she answered softly , "but I know well he will go his own gait for aught that his mother can say. Ho is his father's son , and the men of the houno of Douglas , 'they come and they go , recking no will but their own. And even so will my eon William. " "But he Is taking David with him also ! " cried Margaret. "I met him even now on the stair , wild In haste to put on his shirt of mall and the sword with the golden hilt , which the ambassador of France gave him. " A quick flush colored the pale countenance of the lady countess. "Nay , but one Is enough * o meet the chancellor. David shall 'not ' go. Ho Is but a lad and knows nothing of these things. " For this boy' was ever his mother's favor ite , far more than either her elder son or her little daughter , whom , Indeed , she left entirely to the care of Maud Llndcssy. My la'dy of Douglas went slowly down stairs. The tori , with Shclto by bin side was ordering the accoutrement of the mounted men-at-arms In the courtyard , "William , " ebe called , In A soft voice , which -would not hnvo reached him , busied as he was with his work , but that llttk Margaret raised her childish treble and called out , "William , our mother desires to speak with you. Do you not hear her ? " The carl turned htm about , and seeing his mother , came quickly to her and stood bare headed before her. "You are not going to run Into danger , Winiam ? " she said , stilt softly. "Nay , mother mine , " he answered , smil ing , "do not fear , I but ride to visit the Chancellor Crlchton In his castle , and alto to bid farewell to the French ambassador who abode hero as our guest. " A sudden light shone in upon the mind of Maud Llndeaay. " 'Tls all that French minx ! " she whis pered In Sholto'e ear , "she hath bewitched him. No one need try to stop htm now. " His mother went on : "But you win * not taUo my Itttlo David with you ? You will leave me ono son here in my loneliness and old age ? " The earl seemed about to yield , being careless whether David went or no. "Mother , " cried David , coming running forth from the castle , "you must not per suade Wliriam to make mo stay at home. I shall never be a man if I am kept among women. There la Sholto MacKtra , he Is little older than I , and already ho hath won the archery and the sword play and hath fought In a tourney and been knighted while I have done nothing except pulf gowana wltb Mau/1 Ltndceay and ploy chuckle atones with Margaret , therel" And at that moment fiholto wished that this fate had been his , aud the honors David's. Ho told himself that he would willingly have given up his knighthood that ho might abide near that dainty form and witching face. He tortured himself wltb the thought that Maud would listen to others as she had listened to him , that she would practice on others that heart-breaking slow droop and quick uplift of the eyelashes "SO I WILL DELIVER WILLIAM DOUGLAS INTO YOUR HANDS. " which he knew so well. Who might not t at hand to' aid her to blow out her lam when the guards were set of new In tt corridors of Thrleve ? "Mother , " the carl answered , "Davl speaks good sense. He will never make man or a Douglas If he is to bide bet within this warded Isle. He must go fort Into the world of men and women and tasl a man's pleasures and chance a man's dan gers like the rest. " "But are you certain that you will brln him safe again to mo ? " said his mothe wistfully. "Remember , he Is BO young an eke so restless ! " "Nay , " cried David , eagerly , "I am n younger than my coualn James was whe he fought tha strongest man In Scotlam and I warrant I could ride a course as we as Hughle Douglas , though William chos him for the tourney and left me at home. The lady sighed and looked at her son : ono of them but a youth , and the other c more than a boy. "Was there ever a Douglas yet who woul take any advice but hU own desire ? " sh said , looking down at them like a douc barndoor fowl who by chance has reache a pair of eaglets. "Lade , ye are over stron for your mother. But I will not sleep no eat till I have my David back again , an can see htm riding his horse homewar through the ford. " ' ' CHAPTER XXVIII. , On the Caatlc Roof. Maud Llndesay parted from Sholto upo the roof of the keep. She had gono'u hither to watch the cavalcade ride off , wher none could see her , and Bholto , noting th flutter of something white by the battle ments , ran up thither , pretending that h had forgotten something , though he was In deed fully armed and ready to mount an ride. ride.Maud Maud Llndesay was leaning over the bat tlementa of the castle , and bearing a ste behind her , she looked about with a start c apparent surprise. The after dew of recent tears still glorl fled her eyes. " 0 , Sholto , " she cried , "I thought yo were gone. I was watching for you to rid away. I thought " But Sholto , seeing her disorder and bav Ing little time to waste , came quickly for ward and took her In bis arms wlthou apology or prelude , as Is wisest in sue cases. "Maud , " he said , his utterance quick an hoarse , "wo go Into the house of ou enemies. Thirty knights and no more ac company my lord , who might have rldde out with 3,000 In hla train. " " 'Tls all that witch woman , " cried Ih girl. "Can you not advise him ? " "The earl of Douglas did not ask my ad vice , " said ShoUo , a little dryly , being eagc to turn the conversation upon bis own mat ters and to hU own advantage. "And moreover , If he rides Into danger for th sake of love why , I think the more of bin for It. " "But for such a creature , " objected Mau < Llndesay. "For any true maid It were mos right. Where Is there a noble lady In Scot land who would not have been proud t listen to him yet be must needs run afte this mongrel French woman ! " "Even Mistress Maud Llndc-say ? " stti Sholto , somewhat bitterly , releasing her. "Maud Lindesay Is no great lady , thougl the daughter of a poor baron of the north and much bound to my Lord Douglas b ; gratitude for that which he hath done fo her family. Maud Llndesay Is Itttlo bettei than a tlrrmalden in the house of m : lord. " "Nay , " wild Sholto , "I crave your pardon I meant It not. I am hasty ofwords , and the time is short. | Will you , pardon me and fold ! me farewell , for the horses an t > dng led from the ptall and I cannot keci my 3ord waiting. " 'You ore glad to go , . " * he said , Consumptives need not Call for help in vain , This Great Treatment for Con sumption and Chronic Lung Troubles Offered Free to tiie Readers of The Bee. A scientist who offers free to the world the result of his life-long study of a deadly llseaso la the subject of this short story. His cure is free to you it you will write 'or It Science has long sought for whet Dr. T. A. Slocum , physician and chemist , has fln- .mlly discovered. A consumption germ killer. A flesh-maker and builder for the dllapl- lated consumptive body. A euro for the racking cough that wears out the sufferer's life. The complete system of treatment formu lated by this eminent and public-spirited man of science , as contained In three large Lotties of medicine , a treatise on diet and by- Thousands have tried from time Im memorial to discover same efficacious remedy for wrinkles and other Imperfections of the complexion , but none had yet succeeded until the Mlisea Bell , the now famous Complexion Specialists , of 78 Fifth avenue , New York City , offered ths public their wonderful Com plexion Tonic. The reason so many failed to make this discovery before Is plain , be cause they have not followed the right prin ciple. Balms , Creams , Lotions , etc. , never have a tonic effect upon the skin , benos the failures. The Misses * Bell's Complexion Tonic has a most exhilarating effect upon the cutlcls , absorbing and carrying off all Impurities which the 'blood ' by Its natural action Is constantly forcing to the surface of the skin. It Is to the skin what a vitalizing tonic is to the blood and nerves , a kind at new life that immediately exhilarates and strengthens wherever applied. Its tonlo effect la felt almost Immediately and It speedily banishes forever from the Bkln freckles , pimples , blackheads , moth patches , wrinkles , liver spots , roughness , olllncas , eruptions and decelerations of any kind. In order that all may be benefited by their Great Discovery the Misses Bell will , during the present month , give to all callers at gleno and a full plan of auvictuutiptcd to your particular case , will be sent to you at once , absolutely tree of charge upon re- * celpt of a request from you stating that you saw the offer In the Omaha Bee. All that you have to do la to send your name , postofllce nml express address ts DR. T. A. SLOCUM. 9S PINE STREET , NEW YORK , when the complete system of treatment will bo forwarded to you by re turn free. 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Th book treats exhaustively of th Important of a good complexion ; tells how a woman may acquire beauty and keep It. Special chapters on the care of the hair ; how to have luxuriant growth ; harmless methods of making the hair preserve Its natural beauty and color , oven to advanced ago. Albo Instructions how to banish superlluoui hair from the face , neck aud Arms without Injury to the skin. This book will bo mailed to any address on request. FREE Trial Bottles of Wonderful Com. A plexlon Tonic free at parlors , or 25 cent * ( cost of packing and mailing ) to these at a distance. Correspondence cordially solicited. Ad dress t Rth Avptiiip. New York City. 78 5" Avenue , . MISSES BELL > . TH E , Tlie MU.e. Bell Complexion Tonic , Completion Sunn , Skin Food nn.l De. I pllo ore tor mnle by nil proachfully , "youwild forgot us , whom you leave behind you hero. Indeed , you care not , eo that you are tree to wander o > ver the world and taste new pleaaurrs. That Is 'to bo a man 'indeed ! Would that I had been \born \ one ! " "Nay , Maud , " said Sholto , trying to draw1 the girl again near Ihlra , who kepi him at arm's ( length Iby the unyielding strength of hen wrist , "none shall ever come near ray heart save Maud Llndcsay cildne ! ' ,1 , would that I could ride away us sure bf you aa you are cf 'ShoUo ' Me "Indeed , " cried the girl , with some show of renaming spirit , "to that you' have no claim. Never have' I slid that I loved you or Indeed thought about , you at all. " "It 1s , rtruo , " answered Sholto , "and yet I think you will remember mo when tn lamps are i blown out. God epeed ; I bear the trumpet blow and the horses tramp ling. " And out on the green before the castle were the carl's guard mustering , anO i Feggus MacCuVlocb , the earl's trumpeter , blew an Impatient blast. It seemed tu speak to this effect : Hasten yes hasten ye , come to the riding , Hasten ye , hasten ye , lads of the Deo- Douglasdale come , come Galloway , Annan- dale , Galiawiy tUdes are the best of the three. Sholto held out hla arms at the stirring sound , and the girl , all lier wayward pride failing from her In A moment , cama straight into them. "Ooodbye , my sweetheart , " he said , stooping to kiss the JLps that anld him noi nay , but .which qulvexed pitifully ins ho touched them. "God knows when my < iyrs shall rest again on the desire of my heart. " Maud looked into his face steadily anf seirchlngly. . "You are sure you will not forget m ? , Shjoltot" phe said ; "you will love me as much tomorrow wlven rou tore far a'vay and think me as ! fair as you do when you bold me thus In your arms ? " < Before Sholto had .time to answer the trumpet rang lout again , with a call more Instant and Imperious than before. Sholto ] clasped her close to him as the summons cbrllled Into1 the air. "God keep ray little lass ! " he said. Fear not ; I have never loved any but you. " He was gone. And through her tears Maud Llndesay watched him from the top of < thw great square keep , as ho rode gal lantly behind the earl and his brother. "In time past I have dreamed , " she thought to herself , "that I loved this ono and that. But It was not at all llko this. I cannot put him out of my mind , even when I would. " As the brothers William and David Doug las crossed the rough bridge of pine thrown over the narrows of the Dee they looked back simultaneously. Their mother stood on the green moat platform of Thrleve , with their llttlo sister , Margaret , holding her dress. She waved not a hand , fluttered no kerchief of farewell , only stood sadly watching the sons with whom she had travailed as ono watches the dear dead , borne to their last resting place. "So , " she communed , "even thus do the women of the Douglas bouse watch their beloveds rldo out of sight. And so for many nights they return through the' ford at dawn or dusk. But there cometh a time when every one of us watchea the gray shallows to 'the ' east for those that shall return no more. " "See , seei" cried little Margaret. "Look , dear mother , they have taken off their caps and Sliolto hath hla steel cap In bonnet la hU band. They are bidding us farewell , I wish Maude had been here to seeI wonder where she has 'hidden herself. How surprised aho will be to find they are gone. " It was a true word that the maid of Gallo way spoUc , for according to the rrottv cua- tom of the young carl the cavalcade had halted ere they plunged Into the woods ol Helton. The Douglas lads took their bon nets In their hands. Their dark hair wan stirred by the breeze. Sholto also bared his head and looked toward the speck of whlto which iio could just discern on tbo summit of the frowning keep. "Shall ever her eyelashes rise and fall again for me and shall I see the pout waver alternately petulant and tender upon her lips ? " For , being a young man In love , these hlngs were more to him than matins and venaong , king or chancellor , heaven or hell as , Indeed , It waa right and whole some that they shouM be. ( To bo Continued. ) V A Narrow E cmie. * v Thankful worda written by Mrs. Ado \ E. Hart of Groton , S. D. : "Was taken with J a bed cold which settled on my lungs ; cough set In and finally terminated In. con sumption. Four doctors gave mo up , sayIng - Ing I could llvo but a short time. I gave myself up to my Savior , determined If I could not stay with my friends on earth I would meet absent ones nbovo. My hus band was advised to get Dr. King's New Discovery for Consumption , Coughs nnd Coldti. I gave It a trial , took In all eight bottles. U has cured me , and , thank God , I am saved and now a well aud healthy woman. " Trial bottles free at Kuhn & Co.'s drug stare. Regular blie 50c and $1.00 , guar anteed or price refunded.