Illinois News Index

McHenry Plaindealer (McHenry, IL), 11 Jul 1912, p. 6

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;• -IS o f Z i YMyladyofi SYNOPSIS. Major Lawrence, son of Jud^e Law­ rence of Virginia, whose wife was a I^e. (a sent on a perilous mission by yeI}- .Washington, Just after the winter at val­ ley Forge. Disguised in a British uni­ form Lawrence arrives within the enemy s lines. CHAPTER III (Continued). "Those are lucky dogs off duty to­ ld ay." His eye caught mine. "Why don't you go after them, Fortesque? There will be plenty of fun afoot yonder where they land." "Where is that?" "At the old fort; follow the crowd, and youH not go astray. Have you a ticket?" "Captain Andre honored me with one this morning." "Then you are good for the first tow. Dont miss It, man," with enthu­ siasm. " Twill be such a sight as has not been witnessed siooe the Field of the Cloth of Gold." "A passage at arms, you mean?" "Ay! as gorgeous as those of the Old-time knights; a fair conceit as I read the program. I'd be there now but for the damned orders that hold me here. If you ride hard you can make the spot before they come ashore." There was no reason I should not go, and much in the glittering prospect appealed to me. Five minutes later X was trotting out of the Yager camp, pressing passage through the crowds, i already headed southward, the dra- i goon riding silently at my heels. . Mounted men that day were few, and, | doubtless believing we were connect- # cd with the pageant, the Jam sullenly I parted, and gave us opening, so we I reached the site of the old fort as the ibargeB began discharging their oc­ cupants. A glance about, however, ^convinced me as to where the lists Were to be run, and I headed my horse In that direction and gained a point Of vantage before the throng poured in I was somewhat to the right of the stand, the restive heels of my E keeping the crowd away, and a clear view as far as the river It was, maybe, 400 yards down a gentle slope to the water's edge, |Where the line was forming. This pas­ sageway Was lined with onlookers, ^ fceld back by numerous guards, while *> my left extended a'square lawn, gterhaps 1B0 yards each way, surround- «d by a double rank of grenadiers, the |>ayonet8 gleaming on their guns. This ' open space was equipped with every­ thing needed for the coming tourney, and on three sides were tiers of raised •eats. I had barely observed all this When the guns of the Roebuck, echoed by those of the Vigilant, began to jboom a salute, and the head of the column of marchers began 6lowly mounting the slope. The costumes "worn were as varied as those of a masquerade, representing all the changes since the days of chivalry The whole line glowed with color, and gleamed with steel. Like some great serpent, glittering In the 6un, this procession passed un­ der the triumphal arcnes and disap­ peared as its members took prescribed positions on the stands, or in the pa­ vilions bordering the field of contest. As thus arranged the grouping of cpl- ors was most brilliant In the from pt each pavilion were seven young la­ ities, attired picturesquely in Turkish costume, wearing In their turbans Jthose favors with which they meant to reward the knights contending in their honor. Behind these, and occu­ pying all the upper seats, were the maidens representing the two divi­ sions of the day's sports--ladies of the Plended Rose and ladles of the Burn­ ing Mountain. From the crowd surg­ ing around I heard name after name mentioned, as famous Philadelphia belles were pointed out, not a few fa­ miliar to me. Even as I gazed upon that galaxy of beauty, half angry that Americans should take part In such a spectacle of British triumph, the field was cleared for the lists, and a sound of trumpets came to us from a dis­ tance. Ont into the opening rode the con­ tending knights, attended by esquires Wi foot, dressed in ancient habits of white and red silk, and mounted on fray horses, ^rom the other direction •PPeared their opponents, In black orvuge, iiuiug Slack steeds, while to the center advanced the herald loudly proclaiming the challenge. I anew not who they all were, but they toade a gallant show, and I overheard a name spoken of soldiers met iL «f~Lor(1 Cathcart, Captain An mr,a r Tarllon. Captain Scott. Ay! tod the, fought *ell that day, those « 11 e Black knights on the mimic 81 the two chlefB--Lord BPaiutn or tbe Whites, and Captain __ ° e Guards, for the Blacks f wW, tv ^ conlending furiously. ^ to Stween'rr °f rushed honor of each sideT"^e company broke up, flowing aT the great houj crowd of onlooker* hurst through "e guard lines, and, like a mighty torrent swept over the field, it wa8 .yelling mass, so dense as to >e Irresistible, even those of ut on horseback being pressed forward ^Slpless Chips on the stneam. I endeavored to press back, but my restive animal, startled by the dig of the spur, the yells, the waving of arms, refused to face the tumult, and whirled madly about. For a moment I all but lost control, yet even as he plunged rearing Into the air, I saw be­ fore me the appealing face of a wom­ an. How she chanced to be there alone. In the path of that mob, I know not; where her escort had dis­ appeared, and how she had become separated from her party, has never been made clear. But this I saw, even as I struggled with the hard-mouthed brute under me--a slender, girlish fig­ ure attired as a lady of the Blended Rose, a white, frightened face, arms outstretched, and dark blue eyes be­ seeching help. Already the front of the mob was upon her, unable to swerve aside because of the thousands pushing behind. In another moment she would be underfoot, or hurled into the air. Reckless of all else, I dug in my spurs, yelling to the Light Dra­ goon beside me, even as my horse leaped. I scarcely know what hap­ pened, or how it was accomplished--• only I had the reins gripped in my teeth, both my hands free. That in­ stant I caught her; the next she was on my arm, swung safely to the saddle, held to me with a grip of steel, the animal dashing forward beneath his double burden Into the open field. Then the dragoon, riding madly, gripped the bit, and the affair was over, although we must have gal­ loped a hundred yards before the trembling horse was brought to a stand. Leaving him to the contiV)l of the soldier, I sprang to the ground, bearing the lady with me. We were behind one of the pavilions, facing the house, and she reeled as her feet touched the earth, so that I held her from falling. Then her lashes lifted, and the dark blue eyes looked into my face. "You must pardon my roughness." I apologized, "but there was no time for ceremony." She smiled, a flood of color coming back into the clear cheeks, as she drew slightly away. "I appreciate that, sir," frankly, shaking out her ruffled skirts, "and you have made knighthood real," "Then," I ventured, "may I hope to receive the reward, fair lady?" She laughed, a little tremor of ner­ vousness In the sound, but her eyes full of challenge. "And what is that?" "Your name; the hope of better ac­ quaintance." Her eyes swept my uniform ques- tioningly. "You are not of the garrison?" "No; a courier Just arrived from New York." "Yet an officer; surely then you will be present tonight?" "The privilege is mine; if sufficient­ ly tempted I may attend." "Tempted! How, sir?" "By your pledging me a dance." She laughed again, one hand grasp­ ing the long silken skirt. "You ask much--my name, a better acquaintance, a dance--all this for merely saving me from a mob. You are not a modest knight, I fear. 8up* pose I refuse?" "Then am I soldier enough to come unasked, and win my welcome." "I thought as much," the long lashes opening up to me the depths of the blue eyes. "I promise nothing then, nor forbid. But there is Captain Grant seeking me. If I do not speak of gratitude. It is nevertheless in my heart, sir," she swept me a curtsey, to which I bowed hat In hand, "and now au revolr." I stood as she left me, staring while she crossed the lawn and joined a dark-faced officer of Rangers. Once she glanced back over her shoulder, and then disappeared in the crowd of revelers. . I had not Intended to remain in Philadelphia through the night Al­ ready I had secured the information sought, and now must consider the safest and quickest method of escape. It seemed to me this night, given up to revelry, afforded the best possible opportunity for my safely passing the British guard lines. Tomorrow disci­ pline would be resumed, the soldiers would return to their posts and the citizens of the city would again ap­ pear on the streets. This would great­ ly intensify my danger, for, at any | moment, I might encounter some one who knew me, who faigbt denounce me to the authorities. That thlB was the exact truth of the situation could not be denied, yet, now. every reckless impulse of my disposition urged me to remain; the invitation of those laughing blue eyes, the challenge I read in the lady's fair face, the unsolved mystery of her iden­ tity, all combined in a temptation 1 found it impossible to resist. For * danra with her, a possible understand­ ing, I was willing to venture life Itself. ^ It must have been nearly nine o clock when, in company with a young cornet, 1 rode up to the house given up to festivities, and, turning over our horses to the care of cavalry grooms, climbed the wide ste^S to the door leading into the hall All wa$ a riot of color, rtch, bewilr derlng, with smiling faces, and laugh­ ing lips everywhere. In Buch a spot, • -****• ' amid such surroundings, war seemed a dream, a far-off delirium. My companion disappeared, and,, to escape the pressure of those surg­ ing back and forth through the wide doorway, I found passage close to the wall, and halt circled the room, finally discovering a halting place in the re­ cesses of a window, where, partially concealed myself by flowing curtains, I could gaze out over the brilliant as­ semblage. Half ashamed of the plain­ ness of my own attire, and feeling a Stranger and an alien, I was yet con­ sciously seeking the one face which had lured me there. Enough conversation reached me to. disclose a promised display of fire­ works on the lawn, and almost Imme­ diately a magnificent bouquet of rock­ ets shot up into the black sky, illumi­ nating everything with a glare of fire. This was followed by the lighting up of the triumphal arch, and the burst­ ing of balloons high overhead. Attract­ ed by the spectacle, I was staring oat at the dazzling scene, when a voice spoke at my shoulder. " 'Tis a relief to see even one sol­ dier present ready for duty." I turned to look into a pair of steady blue eyes, with a bit of mocking laugh­ ter in their depths, the face revealed clearly in the glare of the rockets. "Necessity only." I managed to re­ ply. "I can be as gorgeous as these others, had I brought a bag with me." "No doubt; every British regiment tries to outdo the others in ribbons and gold lace. Really they become tiresome with such foppery in war times. See how they play tonight, like children, the city practically un­ guarded from attack," she waved an ungloved hand toward the " dark with­ out "I venture there are men out yonder, sir, who are not dancing and laughing away these hours." My cheeks burned. "You mean Washington's troops?" "Aye! I saw them here in Philadel­ phia before Sir William came," her tt is hate, pillage and plunder every­ where. We fled to Philadelphia for our lives, and have almost forgotten 1 we ever had a home. We loyalists are paying a price almost equal to those men with Washington. 'Tis this mem­ ory which makes me BO bitter toward those who play amid the ruins." "Yet you have seemed to enter into the gay spirit of the occasion," and my eyes swept over her costume. "Oh, I am girl enough to enjoy the glitter, even while the woman in me condemns it all. You are a soldier-- a fighting soldier, I hope--and sUll you are here also seeking pleasure." "True; I yielded to temptation, but for which I should never have come." "What?" "The dare in your eyes this after­ noon," I said boldly. "But for what I read there I should be out yonder riding through the night" She laughed, yet not wholly at ease, the long lashes drooping over her eyes. "Always the woman; what would you do without my sex to bear your mistakes?" "But was this a mistake? Did I read altogether wrong?" "Don't expect a confession from me, sir," demurely. "I have no memory of any promise." "No, the barest suggestion was all your llpB gave; it was the eyes that challenged." "You must have dreamed; perhaps you recall the suggestion?" "I took it to mean that you would not be altogether averse to meeting me again through the kindness of some mutual friend." "No doubt you have found such a friend?" "I have scarcely seen a face I know tonight," I pleaded. "I cannot even guess from what place of mystery you appeared so suddenly. So now I throw myself upon your mercy." "I wonder Is it quite safe!" hesi­ tatingly. "But, perhaps, the risk is equally great on your part Ah! the lights go on again." "And the band plays a Hungarian waltz; how better could we cement friendship than to that measure?" "You think so? I am not so sure, and there are many names already on my card--" "Do not look," I interrupted swiftly, "for I claim first choice since this afternoon." "You do?" and her eyes laughed into mine provokingly. "And I had forgotten it all; did I Indeed promise you?" "Only with your -eyes." , "Oh, my eyes! always my eyes! Well, for once, at kast, I will redeem even that visionary pledge," and her glance swept the room hastily. "But I advise that you accept my surrender quickly, sir--I am not sure but this was Captain Grant's dance, and he is coming now." CHAPTER IV. The Beginning of '"'rouble. Her hand was in mine, my arm al­ ready around her waist, when the offi­ cer bowed before us. He had been but a dim figure in the afternoon, but now I saw him for a tall, slender man, somewhat swarthy of face, with black W Caught Hei^the Animal hashing Forward Beneath the Double Burden Into the Open Field. voice lowered, yet earnest, "and they are not playing at war; grim, silent, sober-faced men, dressed in odds and ends, not pretty to look at; some tat­ tered and hungry, bu£ they fight hard. Mr. Conway was telling us yesterday of how they suffered all winter long, while we danoed and feasted here, Washington himself sleeping with the snow drifting over him. You do not know the Americans, for you are not long across the water, but they are not the kind to be conquered by such child's play, as this." «#, ,, "You are an American, then?" "By blnth, yes," unhesitatingly. "We are df those loyal to the king, but--I admirev men." It was with an effort I restrained my words, eager to proclaim my serv­ ice, yet comprehending instantly that I dfere not even trust this plain-spoken girl with the truth. She respected the men, sympathized with the sacrifice* of Washington's little army, contrast­ ed all they endured with the profligacy of the English and Hessian troops, and yet remained loyal to the king's cause. Even as I hesitated she spoke again. "What is your regiment?" "The Forty-second Foot" "You have not yet been pfetion in America?" " "No, but I have Just crossed the Jer­ seys with dispatches." Bhe shook her head, her ebeeks glowing. "My home was there when the war began," she explains* simply. "Now hair and moustache, and a keen eye, attired In the green and white of the Queen's Rangers. He smiled, but with a sarcastic curl to the upper lip not altogether pleasant "Your pardon. Mistress Claire," he said boldly, sweeping me with a super­ cilious glance, "but am I mistaken la believing His waits was pledged to me?" "By mistake, captain," her Hps smiling, her eyes steady. "It seems I overlooked a promise made during the afternoon." "Oh, indeed," he turned toward me, stating insolently. "The hero of the rescue, I presume." I felt the restraining pressure of her band upon my sleeve, and her voice replied calmly, before 1 succeeded In finding words. "This is the gentleman who protect-* ed me from the mob, if that is what you mean. Permit me to present Cap­ tain Grant of the Queen's Rangers, Lieutenant--pardon my having already forgotten your name." "Fortesque," I stammered. Intensely hating the necessary deception. "Ah, yes--Lieutenant Fortesque of the Forty-second British Foot" We bowed coldly, neither extending' a hand, the captain twisting his mus­ tache as he continued staring at me. "Fortesque," he repeated slowly. "Fortesque; not of this garrison, I to lieve." "No, from New York,'" coolly. "I re­ gret having Interfered with your pro gram." "Don't mention it; there are other ladies present, and, no doubt, your gallant act was worthy the reward; a pleasant evening, sir," and he with­ drew aside, stiffly military. Eager to lose as little as possible of the meas­ ure, I swung my partner forward, catching a glimpse again of tha man's face as we circled. "Pleasant disposition," I ventured, without meaning to be uncivil. "Oh, very," and her eyes met mine frankly. "But you must not quarrel with him; that is his one specialty, you know." "Is the warning on your account, or my own?" "Both, perhaps. Captain Grant's family and mine are neighbors--or were before war Intervened--and be- tween our fathers exists a life-long friendship. I could never consent to be the cause of his quarreling with anyone, and I have reason to know how quick tempered he is." "I have little use for any z&an who swaggers about seeking trouble," I re­ turned, as she hesitated. "It has been my experience that there is usually cowardice back of such a disposition." "Not in this case," earnestly. "Cap­ tain Grant's courage has been suffi­ ciently tested already. I warn yoa not to presume on your theory so far as he is concerned. I advise the safer course." "What is that?" Her eyes met mine, smiling slightly, and yet grave enough in their depths. "To let this one danoe prove suffi­ cient reward for your act of rescua" "You request this?" "Oh, you must not place the entire burden of decision on me, sir. 1 can only suggest." "Has Captain Grant any authority to dictate who shall be your partner?" Her lashes lifted, and then fell be­ fore my gaze. "He at least assumes the power, and generally with fair success. I must ask to be excused from discuss­ ing this matter further now, but--but," her voice trembled to a whisper, "I--I am sure your safety depends upon your leaving me." Astonished by these words, sudden­ ly wondering if she suspected me, scarcely comprehending what she meant, I stared into her face, as we circled the room. Grant stood stiffly against the wall where we left him. his eyes fastened moodily on the crowd; I realized his presence, yet my whole thought was concentrated on the girl, the strands of her hair brushing my lips, her steps lightly fol­ lowing the music, her eye downcast. Into the cheeks there came a flush of pink, and she glanced up to read the surprise in my face. "Do I need to say more?" "Yes, you must," I Insisted, "you can never believe I would leave you be­ cause of personal fear." "I did not know--'at first Now I realize it will require a higher motive to influence you; not love of life, but love of country." I felt the closer clasp of her Angers on my guiding hand, and knew I took a deep breath of surprise. "Lean your head Just a little closer," she whispered. "I--I know you. Ma­ jor Lawrence, and--and I wish you well." (TO BE CONTINUED.) "Tragedy's" Derivation. The word "tragedy," now In danger of bellttlement, was itself born in ob­ scurity. Nobody doubts that its par­ ents were "tragos" (ft he-goat) and "ode," a song, but why it attained to Its present rank is matter of conject­ ure. We know that it was the practice of the ancient Greek worshippers of Dionysus to sacrifice a goat before be­ ginning of their devotions, and that fact may have transferred the name of the sacrifice to the ceremonial that ^gradually developed Into the tragedies of Eschylus. But then it was also the custom of the primitive actors around the shrine of the god to dress in goat­ skins. A third explanation of how tragedy came Into the language rests on the presentation of a goat as a prize for the best performance eep the Earth Habitable Importance eg, the Worm In the Econ­ omy of Nature Was First Re- vsaled by Darwin. 'The discovery ot a new species of earthworm may awake but a languid Interest in the layman's mina. yet those minute studies of the humble works of nature that result in bring­ ing, to light previously unrecognized inhabitants of the soil really possess a very high degree of interest, since they often indicate unsuspected pro­ cesses whereby the earth is kept in a condition to be the home and nour- isher of man. Darwin surprised the general ready­ ing public by his revelations of the indispensable role played by the hum­ ble earthworm in cultivating the soii He showed how the strength of » pigmy was changed into that of a giant by the virtue ot numbers and of Industry, so that the richest soli was turned over aud over again by the la­ bors of earthworms and thus kept la a fertile condition. ' When, however, Darwin discovered the importance of the work done by worms, he was not aware of the ex­ istence of more than eight or tea species In Great Britain. Now, owing to the labors of students who have de­ voted their time to the study of earthworms In that coi'xitry, at least twenty different specie* are known, and a vast amount of interesting in­ formation has been gathered concern­ ing their character and habits. It might be thought that there is not much difference among worms, but, as a mat or of fact, there is far more difference than exists among many more pretentious forms of ani­ mal life. Short worms and long worms; worms that climb trees, and others that never leave the ground: worms whose color Is green, brown, rose red and iridescent, and some that are described by the enthusiastic and admiring naturalists as "neat and pretty/' figure among the various spe­ cies that have b««b classified.--Har­ per's Weekly. _>A at Our House writes an accomplished house* wife, an enthusiastic patron of "It is Hot Biscuit, Muffins, Sally Lunn, Waffles,Pot Pie, and .almost daily, now. that the season, has come, a Fruit Short Cuke--all home-made, home-baked of course, and perfectly delicious! Home-baking, thus, with the aid of Dr. Price's Baking Powder, provides the most tasty food, which I know to be of absolute purity, clean and healthful, and with considerable economy." Our correspondent has written for us the whole story. Makes H a Sue with food more healthful, desirable, and safe from all improper contamination. PRICK BAKING POWDER CO., CHICAOO The way some women talk Is enough to make a bachelor feel bald headed. And Prized Above All. Other things may be seized by might or purchased with money, but knowledge is to be gained only by effort.--Landor. Her Special Advantages. James Fullerton Muirhead In his book, "The Land of Contrasts," tells of an American girl who was patronls- lngly praised by an Englishman for the purity of her English and who re­ plied: "Well, 1 had special advan­ tages, inasmuch as an English mis­ sionary was stationed near our tribe." Blessed 8ympathy. Sympathy with animals blesses and humanizes men and women. To get into real relations with an animal is a liberal education. It Is something to be really Interested even In a plant and to observe the working of life in any sphere not our own. How much more when that life Is directing a personality which consciously looks up to us and wiii love us if we will let It!--Christian Register. Willing to Oblige. A story comes from a town where firms advertise to sell fish direct to small purchasers. The glowing ad­ vertisements asked for the sending of half a dollar with a list of the va- rieties of fish preferred. One letter read: "I want two salmon, a dozen whit­ ing, a dozen fresh herring, Bome^floun- ders, and if you have them you can add a lobster." The next day the lady received a letter which ran: "Dear Madam: Please send another dime, and we will forward the fisher­ man."--Dallas News. Hsr Unfortunate Error. A literary lady at a society dinner was given a seat next to a noted scientist whose views were very ma­ terialistic, and at some remark he made on the origin of mankind, the lady found her temper tried beyond all bearing, so that she retorted: "I really don't care what you say. I be­ lieve in the Bible, and there we are told that Adam was the father of all living." "I really think you are mistaken," he said with a smile, and »o the sub­ ject dropped. A few days later the lady, writing to a bosom friend, told her of the oo- currence and added: "I am too morti­ fied, for I have looked the matter up and it only says that Eve was the mother of all living, and so I don't know whether to write to the profes­ sor or not" The manufacturer of artificial feet is responsible for many a false step. Mrs. Wlnalow's Booth ins Syrup for Chlldrea teething, softens the gam*, reduces Inflamma­ tion, allays pain, cure* wind colic, tSo a bottl*. After they reaci the age of 40 wom­ en laugh only when they feel like it. Important It Is that the blood be kept purs, Garfield Tea is big enough for the job. < Standard of Sanity. Shakespeare was asked if Hamlet was sane. "As sane as the Fourth of July." be replied. With the Lid Off. "Mother," asked Bob, with a hope* ful eye on the peppermint-jar, "have' I ben ag ood boy this afternoon?" "M-m-yes," answered moth, dubWJ ously, recalling a certain little rift within the lute. The four-year-old dip­ lomat looked anxious. "Please," he begged, "say a wide- open yes!"--Harper's Bazar. Ruling 8plrlt Still 8trong. Mrs. J. L. Story, who has just pub­ lished a volume of reminlsoences, tells of a lady relative who had all her life been afraid of damp sheets. When she was dying Mrs. Story en­ tered the room, to find the fireplace barricaded with a large assortment of bed linen. She was having her wind­ ing sheet warmed. "I never have lain in damp bed­ clothes while I was ailive," said the old lady in a feeble whisper, "and I'm not going to do it when I'm dead." NOW THEY'RE ENEMIE*. ft I Miss Uglimug--I always have to Stand up in a crowded street car. Miss Pert--Why don't you wear a Tell and fool 'em? If there ever is a time when yen are justified • It is when die summer weather sell your appetite to fussing; But there isn't any need to mk your soul and shock die netghbon- Tempt ybur appetite with Toasties sod go singing to your labors. Wrfttea br W. J. MtTSQBOTB, One of tb« IB Jtnaflee tor which the Post am Co., Battle C*Mk, Mich., paid S1000.00 la May.

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