North Carolina Newspapers

CHARLOTTE r DAILY OBGERVLI?, IIA KOI IB, K03. if a ' !';Qt 1 t 4 w V .4 n. ttt 1 ( '1 t If . , J V i inn i injBjf A. COSAN DOIXE - V J Author of The Adentnrea ot, Sherlock Holmes," "A feciidy to So-, lcy'TlK Hound of Tho Baakervllles,' 'Beyond tiio CSty," Eta CHAPTER XXVI II. '" f- JIow U Comrade Came Oyct the , Marches of France. ty ; VAftor passing Cahors, the party branch. ' Vi ed away from the main road, and leav the river to the north or themr fol , t,- lowed a smaller track which wound over ', -' m. vast and desolate plain. This path led them amid manhei and wood. unWI it f brought them out into a glade with a , i broad stream swirling swiftly down the v, .emtre of It. Through this the horse t plashed their way, and on the farther 1 x ahpre Sir Nigel announced to them that t they were now within the borders of th 1$ land of Prance. For some miles they - BtiU followed the (tiini .lonely track, ?A Which 'ed thera through a dtense wood, und . than widening out. curved down to .in r "' open rolling country, such a they had . tf. traversed between Aigulllon nd Cahnrs. If It were grim and desolate upon tho ' U i English border, however, what can de. L cribe the hideous barrenness of this ten ' times harried tract of France? The while V i lace of the country was scarred and dis- figured, mottled over with the black v blotches of burned farm-steadings, and , the gray, gaunt gable-ends of what had been chateaux. Broken fences, crumbling walls, vineyard littered with stones, the ''hattared arches of bridges look where syou might, the ilgTi of ruin and rapine met the eye. Here and there only, on the farthest sky-line, the gnarled turrets of av eaatle, or the graceful pinnacles of church or of monastery showed where the forces of the nword or of the spirit bad preserved some small IhIci nf security in this universal flood of misery. Moodily find in silence the little parly rode along the narrow and irregular track, their hearts weighed down by this fur-stretching land of despair. It was Indeed a atrkken and blighted country, und a mn i'c-. Mlhl kav rlAAtn frrtm A nvurlriiA In the north Of the marches of Folx. nor ever issen a smiling village or a thriving home, lead. From time to time as they advanced they saw strange lean figures scruping and scratching amid the weeds , and thistles, who. on sight of I he burin of Norsemen, threw up their arms and dived in among the brushwood, as shy and as 4P awlft as wild animals. More than once. , however, they came on families by the ,.ir, ; wayside, who were too weak from hun. 4 grer and disease to fly, so that they could V'4 but Sit like hures on a tussock, with panting chests and terror in their eyes. " Bo gaunt were these poor folk, so worn , and spent with bent and knotted . " frames, and sullen, hopeless, mutinous f v faces that it made the young English- man heart-sick to look unpn them. In- deed. It seemed as though all hope and f ' light had gone so far from them that It waa not to be brought back; lor when Sir Nigel threw down a handful of sil- :Ver smong them there came no soften ing of their lined faces, but they clutch ed greedily at the coins, peering ques. tioningly at him, and champing with their animal laws. Here ann there amid the brushwood the traveler saw the rialo bundle of sticks which nerved them as a home more like the fowl's nest than the dwelling place of man. Yet why should they build and strive, when the, first ad- Venturer who passod would set torch to meir uiairri, uiiu wnrn uiejr uwn leuiiai lord would wring from them with blows nd curses the last fruits of their toll? They sat at the lowest depth of human misery, and hugged a bitter comfort to their souls as they realized that they could go no lower. Yet they had still the human gift of speech, and would take council among themselves In their brush wood hovels, glaring with bleared eyes nd ponltlng with thin Angers at the arrest Widespread chateaux which am filca a cancer into the life of the, coun try.slde. When such men, who ore be yond hop and fear, begin In their dim Winds to see the source of their woes, it may be an evil time for tho-.- who have wronged them. The weak man become trong when he has nothing, for then Only can he feel the wild, mad thrill of despair. High and strong the chateaux, lowly and weak the. brushwood hut; but Ood help the seigneur and his lady when the men of the brushwood set their hands to the work of revenge! Trough aiich country did the party rid' : miles, until the sun began to slope down in the west and their shudows to stream down the road in front of them. Wary 1 1 aye to tho right and the left, for this J . ....- .... .. ...... ; ports were those which hung from their : mm a . , . n ' lurwf . 11 IIimIi ,m)v nnii. jeeiu. r mmimni mm r.oKiinioiii o. - mn onH i w.n, l Rn.h,.mr 'CirrU-eno . v.. ..... ., ........... . 4 Bc.orrher. Flayer, and Free Companion. , wandered and struggled over the whole Of this accursed distrh-t. So bare and snrwiem w me uuooh aoo bo n-w and poor the dwellings, tli.it Hlr Nigel be. Ran to have fears as to whether he might find food and quarters for his Utile troop. It was a relief lo him. therefore, When their narrow track opened out upon large road, and they saw somo Utile Way down It a square white house Willi great bunch of holly hung nut at the end of a stick from one of the up per windows "By St. Pali!"' said he. "f urn right glad; for I had feared that we might have neither provant nor herber arage. Ride on. Alleyne, und tell this Inn keeper that an KiikIikIi kblglil with his party will lodge with him this night." Alleyne set spurs to his home and reached the Inn door a long bow shot be- fore his companions. Neither varlet nor tier could he seen so he pushed open the door and called loudly for the land. ora. inree limes ne snouieq. nut, re. i,!,' " '" 't "i" n "iii,-i f, door and advanced Into the chief guesi- room of the hostel. t..i ..; . i.- .. !..-. A very be rful wood fire was snutter ing snd i -rea.king in nu open grate at the further end of the iiiKirlui nt. At ne side of tills tin-. In a high-backed oak chair, sat a I.kIv. tier facn turned towards ine uoor. inn nrengnt piayen OVer her feat in s, anil All' ym, thought that he had n wr seen such queenly power, such dlgnltv and strength u;hui be, 'l a woman's fuce. Hhe might have five.ana-ibirty yars or age. with nqul-i line nose, tlrm yet sensitive nunith. daik i Curving brows, ntid deip-sct eye Which abone ami iqiaikled with it shifting lull liancy. Beautiful as she was. it was V. Hot her be.iuty which impress',1 Itself "-T tllWIlt thmi K,..,,l,l,., I, u ... I.... I. her power, the sense of wisdom which: fMMIf over the broad white brow, the de ry? elalon which lay In the square J,i w arid .... delicately moulded Inn. A chiiplet of pearls spurkbt amid la r Ida- k hair, with gauze of silver network flowing back from It ovi r her shoulder; u black man-, tl was awathed round Id r. and she lenu. d back In her iliair an one who Is liesh from a Journey. in in cjppoHuc corner mere set a very burly and brood shouldered man, dad in h black Jerkin trimmed with! able. With u black velvet can with cuil-l og white feather r-oeked uis.n the sldejlyne , think ot that - n, i-m"! of Ms head. A flask of red wine stood at hi elbow, and he sceim-d t be very , much at bis ease, for his f.et were sty k wp oa a auwn. ana wtsteti tils thighs lie liejd dish full of tints. These he crui k A between his strong,. white teeth and 'J? . '. ?e lr l"ur'1f w"y- casting the kT 12''. Alleyne cased rOllrill ! oucked an eve at him nv,- hl l,A,il,i.r , ... ie- iihii i,fiirill .-.-.i mjZ . .. . t jrwutiB r.nKiisiintan tnai ha bad never s-n m, hideous a fare, fori i 1 w. ,,,, -nt nie, ,,. u,p 4 - . 2J57 " l"''k"n "'' 'lriv.il Inwnrds. v u 1 1 " W.H" snrei , ?Jt too. When he siKike, was as deep and us 'r f "vuii'in. Ill,, VUII gurrrm m me growl or A Oeast of prey i Ai.i"yWi roau," said he. l know not r ';Jnellnd to bestir myself, b it if it were ti'r-v--. tMtt that I am bent upon taking my case , I awaar, ba- the sword of J.wliua! thut . -X uld lay my dog-whip trross your ,w e-houtders tor daring to till ton air with . . ui'w oiaooraani oeitowings. ! i Taken aback at this unsentl spw-eh. V lr reanc of the lady, Alleyne , : t aOOd With hi hand upon the handle of the door, won- Sir fgel and hi com ' V Pinions dismounted. At ths sound of ,llOT frh ralffi, n4 of t,he tongue n ' , rl.k'tf tbr PO. the atranger crush'4 bia distMof, nat .4wu pw th floor, ' and began blmseif to call tot the land Jrd unlit tUm whole bouse rv-erhoed with los rosrtngs. With, an ashen face the ! whlt-eprond host eame running it his a .rail, his bands Itakingaa4 hia very hair ' 1wiUint with appreliwisloii. "'Itar tb aake of Ood., air. 7 bs whlsiiered as ha ? sed, 'Vpeak him fair end do not rouse !. Foe - thm v? Uti the Vu-glnv U i d wlib himt" 'i " v.-, -who ja th bnr '! tut Nigel. ' " Ailcyaa waa- about ta explain, wkwo g fresh roar from the atranger Interreupled him, "Thou vllllan Inn-keeper," ha houted, "did I not ask you when I brought my lady here whether your inn waa clean? Yon, did, aire." "Ild I not particularly ask you wheth er there were any vermin in It?" "You did. sire.'5 "And you answered me?" "That there were not, sire." "And yet ere I have been here and hour I find Englishmen crawling about with in It. Where are we to oe free from this pestilent race? Can a Frenchman upon French land not sit down In a French auberge without having his ears pained by the clack of theid hideous talk? Send them packing, inn-keeper, or it may be the worse for them and for vou." "1 will. sire. I will " cried the fright ened host, and bustled from the room, while the soft, soothing voice of the wo man was heard remontrating with her furious companion. "Indeed, gentlemen, you had best go, said mine host. "It is but six miles to Villefrancbe. where there are very good quarters at tho sign of the 'Lion Kougc.' " "Nay," answered Sir Nigel, "I cannot go until I have seen more of this per son, for he appears to be a man from whom much is to be hoped. What is his name and title?" "It Is not for my lips to name It un less bv his desire. But I beg and pray you, gentlemen that you will go from my house, for I know not what may come of it if his rage should gain the mastery of him." "Ky Saint Paul!" lisped ftir Nigel, "this Is certainly a man whom It is worth Journeying far to know. Go tell him that a humble knight of England would make his further honorable acquaintance, not from any presumption, pride, or Ill-will, but for the advancement of chivalry and the glory of our ladies. Give him greet ing from Hlr Nigel Iorlng, and say that the glove which I bear in my cap be longs to the most peerless and lovely of her six, whom I am now ready to up hold against uny lady whose claim he might be desirous of advancing." The landlord was hesitating whether to carry this message or "'"" wnen tne and the stranger bounded out like a panther from his den, his hair bristling and his deformed face convulsed with anger. "Still here!" he snarled. "Dogs of F.nglund, must ye be lushed hence? Tip haine. my sword!" He turned to seise his weaiion, but as he did so his gaze fell upon the blasonry of Sir Nigel's shield, and he stood staring, while the fire In his strange green eyes softened into a sly and humorous twinkle. "Mort IMeu!" cried lie, "it Is my little swordsman of Bordeaux. 1 should re member that coat-armor, seeing that It Is but three days since I looked upon It In the lists by Garonne. Ah! Sir Nigel Hlr Nigel! vou owe me a return for this," and he, touched his right arm, which was glit round just under the shoulder with a silken kerchief. Hut the surprise of the stranger at the sight of Hlr Nigel was as nothing compared with the asionisnmem ana in j delight which shone upon the face of the knight of Hamshlre as he looked upon the Strang face of the Frenchman. Twice he opened his mouth and twice he peered again, as though to assure himself that his eyes had not pluyed him a trick. "Hertrand!" he gasped at last. Rert rund du Uucsclilln!" 'Tty. Saint Ives!" shouted the French soldier, with u hoarse roar of laughter, "It Is well that I should ride with my vizor down, for he that has once seen my face does not need to bo told my name: It Is Indeed I. Sir Nigel, and here Ik my hand! 1 give you my word that I hero ure but three Englishmen In this world whom I would touch save with the sharp edge of my sword: the prince Is one, Chandos .the, second, and you the third; for 1 have henrd much that is good of you." "1 am growing aged, and am somewhat spent In ths wars," quoth Sir Nigel; "but I can lay by my sword with an rasy mind, for I can say that 1 havo crossed swords with him who hath tho brnveat heart and the strongest arm of all this great kingdom of France. I havo lohged for It, I have dreamed or It, and now i can scarce bring my mind to understand that this great honor hathWMI And yet j , n()t wl,, to BW! go i . i , i . i nMieeu oeeii mine. --uy the Virgin of Itennes! you have . given me cause to lie very cerium or It, i ... , n.. -.1,1. f. i,i i ,Hu ,inw in,, nun a biuhiii ii um rl,Hd white teeth. .Am1 perhaps, most honored Hlr, It , would please you to continue the debate. ,.rhupa you would condescend to go I flirtl)r )(lt ,ie r. Ood He knows that I am unworthy of such honor, yet I can show my four-und-slxty quarter ing, and I have been present at some bickerings and scuffling during these twenty years," "Your fame Is very well known to me, mid I shall ask my lady to enter your naino upon my tables," said Sir Heit innd. "There are many who wish to advance themselves, and who bide their turn, for 1 refuse no man who comes on such an errand. At present It msyi not be. for mine arm Is stiff from this small touch, and I would fain do you full 1 honor when we cross swords again. Come : In with nie, and let your squires conic i hImii lliul m v MUrojit IIHillld Dim T jlilv . riphalne, mav ssy that she hath ecn H ,tiied ami gentle a knight." ito the chamber they went In nil i ,.,. .i ,-oncord. where the Ijidv Tli.- peace liulnc j name sat use queen on uirone lor eacn i '",'" ,uln ((, . presented to her. Sooth to i , iw.lv th(, ,, ,..irt r Hf NiK,q. which:'"" to sat like queen on (hrone for each ng spouse, was somewhat shaken by Un - i ,..,im -olt face of this stnlelv rlnme for ; t wenly years of camp-life had left hlin ' ,,.,.. i ...... l n... iiuiu ii, o. l boudoir. He liethonght him, too, its he looked al her set lips and deep-set eyes, i that he had heard stranae tales of tills i same l-a.lv Tiphaine du Guesclin. Wiisjf"r me to say how far he hath succeeded, It not she who was said to lav lianas i "Jt '" """,h t,l"t '"' wh!' t,lnk,, t,mt upon the sick and raise them from their "' '"," bllt ,. do with the Bishop of . ( ii, hes when lln leeches had spent their I Monta uboii, finds himself fnee to face last noslrums7 Hud she not forecast the)""" Francois I'oiirsulvarit d Amour I'cl fiilnie and were then- not times when ' """ ' In the loneliness of her chamber she! At moment there wns a clatter of ..s beard to hold converse with some ; Imols upon the road, and a varlet by the Is liiKiipon whom mortal eye never rested some .J.irk familiar figure who passi , 1 where doors acre barred and wlnlo s high ? Hlr Nigel sunk Ins eye and mark-1 . ,i u , ,,,, 1 1,,. .1,1., ,.r l.i. I..., ... , .. i K1,.,.i,.d this dangerous dame and yet 'ruin without, calling upon Alleyne to j ,-re live minutes had passed he' was hers hasten, or he might scarce find his way. a,, n,,l n), only but hi two young 1 lidding iiilleu to landlord and to chain. . stiuin-s s well. ' Thi mind had gone out ' 1 1"". therefore, he ret off at a gallop, ,,i il.cni anil ihev ronl.l Inn look ,.i tlouiaiul soon overtook the two nrchers. woman and bsten the words which fell! (rm .r lips wor, which thrilled t (.rough theii nerves and stirred their souls like the but llecull of a bugle, ((fieri In nui ,-fnl ufter-duvs w,.s Al. ntynr in nuns oi unit see side tun of Aiin iiiiii', T ,. veiling hud fallen, and tlio long, low wnod.psnel en of the wuv liie shadows of tlie corners of draped in darkness. The spulteiing w.mkI lflie three out a circle of red flickering light which played Ver the little group of wayfarers, and showed up every Una 'mik! shadow upon their fuces. Sir Nigel Ml, I With ettMIVi'M linoo LreM Hti el,l ... 1.. i.-a. i.i. i. ..oi ' - . . ' 'l lll,,jn, lilt, j.Ml- ll fill, troVlTHIK O10 eve. but his other shining lll.u u star while the ruddy light gleamed ,ipon Ids smiHiin wiuie iieua. s ord was stated nt ft. bis lips .nrted. his eves sturing. ni hi rk or deep color on either cheek. his lltiii s aft rlrlil as mm who fcurs in move, on trie other suln the famous French captain loaned buck in his chair, i n litter of nut-shells upon his lap. hh huge he, i, I half buried in a cushion, whlli his eyes wandered with an amused gleam from his dame to the staring, enrnidtinit ; Kngtlsliiiieii. Then, last of all. thut pale ; eieiir-eut race mat sweet clear vo.ee, with its high thrilling talk of the deuth- i lesjmess of atorv. the worthlessm. ,.r lift, of the pain of lanobli toys, and of tin- joy w men lies In all pains whichl lead lo a noble end. Still, as the shad owe deepened, she spoke of valor and virtue, of loyalty, honor, and fame, and still they sat drinking In her words while the tire burned down and ths red ash turned to gray. "By the sainted Ives!" cried Du Oue sclin st lust, "it I time that w spoke of what we are to do Jhl night, for I cannot think that In this wsysido Bu. berge there are At quarter for an hon orable company." wBlr Nigel gave a long sign he csme bock from the dream f chivalry and hardihood Into which this strange wo man' word hod wafted hl., ri re not wlwre I let.". mid he; "but these sr '"'d smnewha rude lodglnsc for tbi UN, ' "What contents mvlord contents me." quoth she. "I perceive. Sir Nigel,', that you are under vow," aha added, glaartug at ma covered eye. -t , ;it 1 my purpose to attempt some mall deed he answered. "And the glove-! It your lady's?" , , "It ia indeed "mysweet wife's,'', , . "Who Is doubtless proud of you," "flay rather I of her," quoth , he quick ly. "God He knows that I ant not worthy to be her humble servant. It la easy, lady, for a man to ride forth In the llglit of day. and do Ms devoir when all men nave eyes lor rum. out in a woman a heart there is a - strength and ' truth which asks no praise, and can but be known to him whose treasure it is.'" The Lrftdy Tiphaine smiled across at her husband. "You have often told me, Ber. trand, that there were very gentle knights amongst the English," quoth she. ' "Aye, aye," said he moodily. "But to horse. Sir Nigel, you and yours and we shall seek the chateau of Sir Tristram de Kochefort, which Is two miles on this side of Villefrancho. He is Senechal of Auvergne, and mine old war companion." "Cartes, he would have a welcome for you," quoth Sir Nigel; "but indeed he might look askance at one who comes without permit over tho marches." "By the Virgin! when he learns that you have come to draw away these ras cals ne win ne very nuthe to loon upon your face. Innkeepsr, here are ten gold pieces, wnat is over ana above your reckoning you may take off from your charges to tho next needy knight who comes this way. come then, for it grows late and the horses are stamping In the roadway." The ImOy Tlphalno and her spouse sprang upon their steeds without setting teet to stirrup, and away they jingled down the white moonlit highway, with Hlr Nigel at the lady's bridle-arm, and Ford a spear's length behind them. Al leyne had lingered for an instant in the passage, and as he did so there came a wild outcry from the chamber upon the left, und out there run Aylward and John, laughing together like two school. boys who are bent upon a prank. At sight of Alleyne they slunk past him with somewhat of a shame-faced air. and springing upon their horses gallop, ed after their party. The hubbub within trie chamber did not cease, however, but rather increased, with yells of: "A mol, mes amis! A mol, camarades! A. mol I'honorable champion de J'Kveque de Montaubon! A la recouse de 1'eKllse salnte!" So shrill was the outcry that both the Innkeeper and Alleyne. with every varlct within hearing, rushed wild ly to the scene of the uproar.. It was Indeed a singular scene which met their eyes. The room was a long ana lorty one, stone floored and bare with a fire at the further end upon which a great pot. was boiling. A deal table ran down the centre, with a wooden wine pitcher upon It and two horn cups. Some way from it was a smaller table with a single beaker and a broken wine bottle. From the heavy wooden rafters which formed the roof there hung rows of hooks which held up sides of bacon, joints of smoked beef, and strings of onions for winter use. In the very cen tre of all these, upon the largest hook of all, there hung a fat little red-faced man with enormous whiskers, kicking madly in the air and clawing at raft ers, hams, and all else that was within hand-grasp. The huge steel hook hud been passed through the collar or his leather jerkin, and there he hung like a fish on a line, writhing, twisting and screaming, but utterly unable to free himself from his extraordinary position. It was not until Alleyne and the land lord had mounted on the table that they were able to lift film down, when he sank gasping with rage Into a seat, and rolled his eyes in every direction, "lias he gone?" quotn ne. "Gone? Who?" "He. the man with the red head, the giant man." "Yes," said Alleyne. "he hath gone." "And comes not back?" "No." "The better for him!" cried the little man, with a long sigh of relief. "Mon Ileu! What! am I not the champion of the IMshop of Montaubon? Ah. could I have descended, could I have come down ere he fled! Then you would have seen. You would have beheld a spectacle then: There, would have been one rascal the less upon earth. Ma, fol, yes!" "Good master Pelllgny," said the land lord, "these gentlemen have not gone very fast, and 1 have a horse In the sta ble at your disposal, for I would rath er have such bloody doings as you threaten outside the four walls of mine auberge." "I "hurt my leg snd cannot ride," quoth the bishop's champion. "I strained a sin ew on the clay that I slew the three men at Castetnau." "God save you. lousier Pelligny!" cried he landlord. It must be an awesome llilnif in tiuv, . i . V, ,!,,,,,! valiant a man mishandled, and so I will ! for friendship's sake, ride after this . Knirllshmnn anil hrinn hlrn mielr to vnn I r.ngiiHnman and Dring nirn nil( k to you "You shall not stir," cried the cham pion, seizing the innkeeper In a convulsive gruHp. "I have a love for you, Oaston, and I would not bring your house Into ill repute, nor do such scath to these nails and chattels as must befall If two such men as this Englishman und I fall to work here." .' "Nay, think not of mc!" cried the Innkeeper. "What are my walls when set against the honor of Francois Poursul vant d'Amour I'elllgny, champion of the Hlshnp ot Montaubon. My horse, An dre!" "Hy the saints, no! Otislon, I will not have It! You have said truly that It is an awesome thing to have such rough work upon one's soul. I am but a rude soldier, yet I have a mind. Mon Dieu! I reflect. I weigh. I balance. Shall I not meet this man again? Shall 1 not bear him In mind? Shall 1 not know him by his great paw and his red head? Ma fol, yes!" "And may I ask, sir." said Alleyne, "why It Is that you call yourself cham pion of the Illshop or Montaubon? Ion muy ssk augtit wnicti it is liccom- me to answer, i ho bishop hath hv pt l. UBt "f combat, It would scarce become his office to go down Into the ',tn '''ather and shield und cudgel to exchange blows with nny varlet. He wok urouna mm men Tor sorn tried lighting man. some honest smlter who can give a blow or take one. It Is not door cried out that one or the Eriglisii. '"'n was coming back. The champion l'"'ked wildly about for some corner of mfely. and was clambering Up toward. the window, a lien Ford's voire sounded "A prettv thing this, John," said he Thou wilt have holy Church upon you If you hang her champions upon iron h iks In an Inn kitchen. "It was done without thinking." he Answered apologetically, while Aylward hurst Into a shout of laughter. "My my hilt! mon petlt.'f Said he, "you would have laughed also could you have seii it. For this man wa so wollen with pride that he would neither drink with us, nor sit at the same table with u. nor as much as answer a question, but must needs talk to the varlet all the time that It was well there was peace, and that he bad slain roore-Kngllslimcn than there were tag tm his doublet. Our i,ool old John could scarce lay his tongue to French enough to answer him, so he must needs reach out hi great hand to him and place his very gently where you saw him Hut we must on, for I csit scarce near tneir noois upon me roan. "I think that I can see them yet. said Ford, peering down tne moonlit rond Tardleu: yes. Now they ride forth from th siiauov And yonder dark clump Is the Castle of Vlllefranche. Kn avant. cumnrndes! or Sir Nigel may reach the gates before ii. nut hark, mes amis. what sound is that? A he spoke the honrse blast of a horn was heard from some woods nnon tha right. An answering enll rung forth upon their left, and hard upon It two other rrom beninti tnem, "They ure the horns of swine-herds, quoih Aylward. "Though why they Mow them so lute I cannot tell." "I-et us on, then," said Ford, and tb whole party, setting their spur to their horses, soon found themselves . at the Castle of Villefrnnche, where th draw bridge had already been lowered and the portcullis raised tn response to the sum. mon of Du fJuescllii. . CUAITKK XXIX.. Mow the Blew Hour of fctgtit Cnnto T to Ui iJMly llptuilne. r Trkinun de Hochefort enchai ef Auvergne and Xord of Vlllefranche. was a fierce and renowned soldier who had grown gray fn tho English wars. A lord Of the marches and guardian of an, ex. posed country-aide, thera waa little rest for him ,even jn times pf so-called peace, and hia whole Ufa waa spent In raid and outfall upon tht Brabantera, late-com ers, nayers. rre companions, ana rov. In archers who wandered over his Drov- incc. At times be would coma back in tri umph, . and dogen corpse swinging from the summit of hia keep would warn evil-doers that there' was atlll a law tn the land. At other hi venture were not so happy, and he and his troop would spur It over the drawbridge with clatter of hoof hard at their heel and whistle Ot arrow about their ear. Hard n was ?f hand and harder of heart, hated by his oes, and yet not loved by those whom he protected, for twice be had been taken prisoner, and twice hia ransom had been wrung by dint of blow and torture out of the starving peasants and rulntd farmer. Wolves or watch-dogs. It waa hard to say from which the aheep bad most to fear. ; The castle of Vlllefranche wa harsh and stern as It master. A broad moat, a high outer Wall turreted at the corner. with a great black keep towering above all so It lay taefora them in the moon light. By the light of two flambeaux, pro. truded through the narrow slit-shaped openings at either aide of the ponder ous gate, they caught a gllmpae of the glitter of fierce eye and ot the gleam of the weapons of the guard. The sight of the two-headed eagle of Du Guesclin, however, waa a passport into any foralice In France, and ere they had passed the gate the old border knight came running forwards with hands out. thrown to greet his famous countryman. Nor wa he less glad to see Sir Nigel, when the Englishman's errand was ex plained to him, for these archers had been a sore thorn In his side and had routed two expedition which he had sent against them. A happy day it would be for the Seneschal of Auvergne when they should learn that the last yew bow waa over the marches. The material for a feast wa ever at hand in days when, if 'there wa grim4cloely, and from the twitching of hi want in the cottage, then; was at least rude plenty in the i castle. W'lthln an hour the guest were seated around a board which creaked under the great pneties and joirits of meat, varied by those dainty dishes in which the French excelled, the spiced ortolan and the truf. lied beccatlcoes. The lady Kochefort, a bright and laughter-loving dame. Bat upon the left of ner warlike spouse. With faidy Tiphaine upon the right. Beneath sat Du Guesclin and Sir Nigel, with Sir Amory Montlcourt, of the order of the Hospitallers, and Sir Otto Harnit, a wandering knight from the kingdom of Bohemia. These with Alleyne and Ford, four French squires, and the custle chap, lain, made the company who sat togeth er that night and made good cheer In the castle of Vlllefranche. The great Are crackled in the grate, the hooded hawks slept upon their perches, the rough deer hounds with expectant eyfcsi crouched upon the tiled floor; close at the elbows of the guest stood the dapper little lilac coated page; the laugh and jest circled round and all was harmony and com fort. Little they recked of the brushwood men who crpuched in their rags along the fringe of the forest and looked with wild and haggard eyes at the rich, warm glow which shot a golden bar of light from the high arched windows of the castle. . , Supper over, the tables dormant were cleared away as by magic and trestles and bancals arranged around the blazing fire, for there was a bitter nip In the air. The ltdy Tiphaine had sunk back in her cushioned chair, and her long dark lushes drooped low over her sparkling eyes. Al leyne glancing at her, noted that her breath came quick and short, and that l.er cheeks had blanched to a lily white. Du Guesclin eyed her keenly from time to time, and passed bis broad brown fin gers through his crisp, curly hair with the air ot a man who is perplexed in his mind. "These folk here," said the knight of Bohemia, "they do not seem too well fed." "Ah. canaille!" cried the Iird of Ville frnnche. "You would scarce credit it. and yet it is sooth that when I was taken at I'olctiers it was nil that my wife and foster brother could do to raise the money from them for my ransom. The sulky dogs would rather nave three twists of a rack, or the thumblklns for an hour, than pay out a denier for their own feudal father and liege lord. Yet there is not one of them but hath an old stocking full of gold pieces hid away In a snug corner." "Why do they not buy food theft?" asked Sir Nigel. "By St. Paul! it seem ed to me their bones were breaking through their skin." "It Is their grntching and grumbling which makes them thin. We have a say ing In re. Sir Nigel, that If you pummel Jacques Bonhnmme he will pat you, but if you pat him he will pummel you. Doubtless you find it so in Kngland." "Ma fol, no!" said Sir Nigel. "I have two Kngllshmen ot this class In my train who are at this Instant, I make little doubt, us ull of your wine ns any cask In your cellar. He who pummelled them might come by such atpat as he would be likely to remember.'" "I cannot understand It," quoth the seneschal, "for the English knights and nobles whom l have met were not men to brook the, insolence of the base born." "Perchance, my fair lord, the poor folk are sweeter und of a better countenance In Kngland, laughed the Lady Roche fort. ."Mon Dieu! you cannot conceive to yourself how ugly they are! Without hair, without teeth, all twisted and bent for me, I cannot think how the good God ever came to make such people. 1 can not bear it, I. and so my trusty Raoul goes over before me with a cudgel to drive them from my path. "Yet they have souls, fair lady, they have souls!" murmured the chaplain, a white-haired man with a weary, patient face. "8o I have heard you tell them," said the lord of the custle; "and for myself. father, though I am a true on of holy Church, yet I think that you were better employed in saying your mass and in teaching the children of .my men-at- arms, than iji going over the country. side to put Ideas In these folks heads which would never have been there but for you, 1 have heard that you have said to them I hat their souls are as good as ours, and that It Is likely that m another life they may stand us high as the old est blood of Auvergne. For my part, I believe that there are so many worthy knights and gallant gentlemen In heav en who know how such things should be nrrnnged, that there Is little fear that we shall And yourselves mixed up with base rotutier und swine-herds. Tell your beads, fattier, and con your psalter, but do not come bet ween me and those whom the king has given to me!" "Ood help them!" cried the old priest. "A higher King than yours has given them to me, and I tell you here in your own castle hall. Sir Tristram de Roche fort, that you have sinned deeply In your dealings with these poor folk, and that the hour will come, and may even now tie at hand, when God's hand will he heavy upon you for what you have done." He rose us he spoke, ana walked slowly from the room. "Pest take him!" cried the French knight. "Now, what is a man to do with a priest. Sir Bertrnnd? ror one can neither fight htm like a man nor coax him like a woman." "Ah, Hlr Bertrand knows, the naughty one I" cried the Iandy Roenofort. "Have we not all heard how he went to Avignon and squeezed ttfty thousand crowns out of the Pope." "Ma fol!" said Sir Nigel, looking with a mixture of horror and admiration at Du Guesclin. "Did not your heart sink within you? Were you not smitten with fear? Have you not felt a curse hang over you?" "I have not observed It," said the Frenchman carelessly. "But. by Saint Ive! Tristram, this chupiain of yours seems to ma to be a worthy man. and you should give heed to his words, for though 1 care nothing fur the curse of a bad pope. It would be a grief to me to have might but a blcsalng from a good priest," "Hark to that, my fair lord." cried the Iedy Rochefort. "Take heed, I pray thee, for I do not wish to bave a blight east over nm, nor a palsy ot the limbs. I re member that once before you angered Father Stephen, and my tire-woman said that I lost more hair In seven day than ever before In a month." "If that be a algn of slit, by Saint Paul! I have much upon my souh," id Sir Nigel, amid a general laugh. "But in very truth. Blr 'frtstram, tr i may ven ture a word of counsel. 1 should advise that you multe your peace With this good man. ', ,'--" "" " .; "He jrtutll have four stiver candle sticks, ' mid the seneschal ttioodlev, "'And yet I would that be would leave the folk alone. You cannot conceive In your mind how stubborn and brainless they are. Mule and pig are full hf reason beside tnem. una its gnow tnst I nave had treat patience with them. It waa but tat week - that, , ba vine , to raise nun t, havlnc to ral omIgol(Jen. beard, who sundg , before ., thg money, f called ' up to- the castle Jean Goubert, who, as; nil men know, has a casketfut of gold pieces bidden aWay in some hollow - tree. I give you my word tnai i na not so mueii a lay a stripe upon lit fool' back, but after speaking with Mm. and -telling him how needful the money wa to me, 1 left him for the night to think over the matter la my dungeon. What think you that the dog did? Why, in the morning we found that he bad made a rope from strip of his leathern Jerkin, and had hupg "himself to in oar oi me winaow,". - , - "For me, I cannot conceive uch wick, edness!" cried th laoy, ' -, "And there waa Gertrude La Boeuf. a fair a .maiden a,- eye tcould ee, , but as oaa ana outer as the rest. oi tnem. wnen young Amory de Valance wa here last LaramasUde be looked kindly- upon the girl,, and even spoke of' taking her into his service. What doea she do. with her dog of , father J" Vfhy. they tie them. eotveg wgeiner ana ap into tne. wnaen Pool. , where . the water i iflva pears' length deep. I give you my word that It waa, a great grief to young Amory, and it waa day ere he could oast It from big mind, But how can one serve people wbo are foolish and so' ungrateful?' . ;:' Whilst the Seneschal of Villefranche had been detailing the evil doings of hi tenants, Alleyne Had been unable to take hia eye from the face of Lady Tiphaine. She had Iain back in her chair, with drooping eyelid and bloodies face, so that he had feared at first her journey had weighed heavily upon 'her, and that the strength wa ebbing out of her. Of a sudden, however, there came a change, for a dash of bright color flickered up on to either cheek, and ner lid were aiowiy raised again upon eye which sparkled with such lustre as Alleyne bad never seen In human eye before, while their gaze was fixed intently, not on the com. pany, but on the dark tapestry which draped the wall. Bo transformed and so ethereal wa her expression, that Al leyne, tn hi loftiest dream of archangel or of seraph, bad never pictured so sweet, so womanly, and yet ao , wist a face. Glancing at Du Guesclin, Alleyne saw that he also wa watching hi wife feature and the beads upon his brick. colored brow, tt wa easy to see that he was deeply agitated by the change which he marked in her. "How is it with you. lady?" he asked at last, Jn -a tremulous voice. ner eyes remained nxea intently upon the wall, and there was a long pause ere she answered him. Her voice, too, which had been so clear and ringing, wa now low and muffled as that of one who speaks from a distance. "All Is very well with me.' Bertrand," said she. "The blessed hour ot sight has come round to me again. "I could see it come! I could see it come! he exclaimed, passing his Angers through his hair with the same perplexed expression as before, "This is untoward. Sir Tristram." he said at last. "And I scarce know in what words to make it clear to you, and to your fair wife, and to Sir Nigel Lorlng. and to these other stranger knights. My tongue is a blunt one, and litter to snout word of command than to clear up such a matter a this, of which I can myself understand little. This, however, I know, that my wife 1b come of a very sainted race, whom God hath In HI wisdom en dowed with wondrous powers, so that Ti phaine Raquenel was known throughout Brittany ere ever I' first saw ner at JJi nan. Yet-these powers are ever used for good, and they are the gift of God and not .of the devil, which ia the difference betwixt white magic and black." "Perchance It would be as well that we should send for Father Stephen," said Sir Tristram. "It would be best that he should come," cried the Hospitaller. "And bring with him a flask nf holy water." added the knight of Bohemia. "Not so, gentlemen," answered Sir Ber trnnd. "It is hot needful that this priest should be called, and it Is In my mind that In asking for this ,ye cast some slight shadow or slur upon the good name of my wife, as though It were still doubtful whether her power came to her from above or below. If ye have Indeed such a doubt I pray that you will say so. that we may discuss the matter in a lifting way." "For myself," said Sir Nigel, "I have heard such words fall from the lips of this lady that I am of the opinion that there Is no woman, save only one. who can be In any way compared to her in beauty and in goodness. Should any gen. tleman think otherwise, I should deem it a great honor to run a small course with him, or debate the matter In whatever way might be most pleasing to him." "Nay, It would ill become mc to cast a slur upon a lady who is both my guest and the wife of my comrade-in-arms,." said the Seneschal of Vlllefranche. "I have perceived also that on her mantle there is marked a silver cross, which is surely sign enough that there Is nought of evil in these strange power which yon say that she possesses. This argument or tne seneschal s ap pealed so powerfully to the Bohemian and to the Hospitaller that they at once intimated that their objections had been entirely overcome, while even the Lady Rochefort, who had sat shivering and crossing herself, censed to cast glances at the door, and allowed her rears to turn to curiosity. Among the gifts which have been vouchsafed to my wife," said Du Gues clin, "there is the wondrous one of see ing Into the future; but it comes very seldom upon her, and goes quickly, for none can command it. The blessed hour of sight, as she hath named It, has come but twice since I have known her. and I ean vouch for it that all that she hath told me wa true, for on the even ing of the Battle of Auray she said that the morrow would be an ill day for me and for Charles of Bols. Ere the Bun had sunk again he was dead, and I the prisoner of Sir John Chnndoe. Yet it is not every question that she can answer, but only those " "Bertrand, Bertrand!" cried the iRdy In the same muttering far-away voice, "the blessed hour passe. Use It, Ber trand, while you may." "I will, my sweet. Tell me, then, what fortune comes upon me?" "Danger. Bertrand deadly, pressing danger which creep upon you and you know It not." The French soldier burst Into a thun. derous laugh, and his green eyes twink led with amusement. "At what time dur. Ing these twenty year would not that have been a true word?" he cried. "Dan- ger Is in the air that I breathe. But ia this so very close. Triphalne?" Here now close upon you: ' j ne words came out in broken, strenuous speech, while the lady's fair face wa writhed and drawn like that of one who Icoks upon a horror which strikes, the words from her lips. Du Guesclin gused round the tapestried room, at the scieens. the tables, the . credence, the buffet with its sllved salver, and the half circle of friendly, wondering faces. There was an utter stillness, save for the Bfiarn breath ing of tho Lady Tiphaine and for the gentle sougning ot tne wina outside v. hlch wafted to their ear tne distant call tiDon a wlne-herd born. The danger may oioe. earn ne, shrug ging hi broad shoulders. -Ana now. liphulne. tell us what will come oi this war In Spain." I can see little." ne answered, strain ing her eye and puckering her brow, a one who would fain clear her sight. 'There are mountain, and dry plains. and flash of arms and shouting of battle- cries. Yet it is whispered to me that by failure you will succeed. Ha! Sir Nigel, now ge yott tnatr quoth Bertrand, shaking , his head, "It is like mead and vinegar, nair sweet, half sour. And is there no Question which you wouia asg my jaayr- "Certes there 1. 1 would fn In know, fair lady, how all thing are at Twynham Castle, and above all bow my sweet lady emnlnvs herself." ' ' "To answer tni i woura tain lay nana upon one whoa thoughts turn strongly to this castle which you have named. Nay, my Lord Lorlng, it la whispered to me that there is anomer nere wno natn thought more deeply, of It than you," ; "Thought more of mine own home" cried Sir Nigel. "Lady, I fear that In this matter at least you ar mistaken." v "Not ao. Blr Nigel, Come hither young man. young English squire- with the gray eyes! Now give me. your hand, and place It here across my brow, that I may sea that which ymi have seen. What Is this thai rises before met Mist, mist, rolling mist with a square black tower above It. See It shred out. it thin. It rise) and there-tie a castle In green' plain, with th sea beneath It, and a great church within a boy-shot. There are two rlvwr which run through the meadows, and between them lie the tnt of the )(kfli4sf-vg'tl' -..', iv 'The besctgers?" rled 'Alleyne, Ford and Sir Nigel, all three in breath. "Te. truly, and they press hard upon the castle, for t hey are an exceeding multitude and full of courage. Be bow they storm and rag against the gale, while some rear ladder, and others, line after line.-sweep the wall with tbelr ar rows. They are many leader who shout anu Decson, ana one, i mil msn sun gate . stamping bis foot ' and . hallooing tnem on, us a- pricker dotn tne pounds. But those In the ' castle tight bravely. There is A woman, two women, who stand upon the walls, and give heart to the men-at-arms. They shower dfiwn ar row, darts and great stones. Ahl they nave airucx down the tan leader, and the Other give back. The mJet thicken and I can see no more." . - "By Saint Paul!" said Sir Nlael. "I do not think that there can be any . such do mg at vnriBicmircB,'ana am very easy of 'the fortaUce eo- long a my sweet wife hang the key of the outer bailey at the head of the bed. Yet I will not deny that you nave pictured th castle as wen as l could have don tnvself. and I am tul of wonderment at all I have beard jtnd eeiu -,.jfe's.:- v'taVAij -ri-.-i.,t.'r i.vu;" v t woald.' Lady npnainei'?, f ried 5 th Lady Rochefort, "that you would -we your power to tell me what hath befallen my golden bracelet which I wore when naw&uigr upon tne Becono ounaay or ao vent, and bave- never set eves udoo since ' '.- h ;';.'V'--,j.''i.. i-..?. i-'t.''.. -i-;L.IVli.'U.if., '.'.' ' " y 7 wiu uuvBuira viv nun not befit sq great and wondrous a power to pry and search and play the varlet even to the beautiful chatelaine of Vilie. irancne. ask a. worthy quesun,! ana, with the blessing of God, you hall hav a worthy answer." v4rt'-f??wtC'':MA: --men i would lain asg." cnea one oi the French squires, ?'a to which may nope to conquer in tnee wars petwm the English and ourselves." .a s "Both will conquer and each will hold Its own' answered the Lady Tiphaine. "Then we shall still hold Gascony and uuienner'.cnea tar Ncet " r The lady shook her head. "French land. French .blood. French speech." she an swered. '.'"They are French, and France nan nave tnem." ; ' - ,: i - "But wot j Bordeaux?" cried 81r Nigel excitedly. .; "Bordeaux also Is for Franc.,, ' "But Calais?" "Calais too." ' ,.-: - :." ' : -' "Woe - worth me then, and ill hall to these evil words I If Bordeaux and Calais be gone, then what ir left for England?" "It 'seems Indeed that there- are .evfl times coming upon, ybur country," said Du Guesclin, ."In . our fondest hope we never thought to bold Bordeaux. By Suln t Ives! this news hath warmed the heart within me. Our dear country will then be very great In the future, Ti phalne?" , - "Great, and rich, and beautiful," she cried. ."Far down tbe vcourse of time I can see her' atlll ' leading the nations, a wayward queen among the people, great In war, but greater In peace, quick tn thought, deft in action, with her people's will for her sole monarch, from tbe sands, of Calais to the blue seas of the south." "Ha!" cried Du Guesclin, with hi eyes nasning in tnuuipn, "you near ner, Bir Nigel? and she never yet aald word which was not ooth." ? The English knight ' shook his head moodily. "What of my own poor, coun try?" said he. "I fear, lady, that what you have said bodes but small good for her." The lady sat with parted lips, and her Dream came quick and last. "y uoa: she cried, "what is this that is shown me? Whence, come they, these peoples. these lordly nation, these mighty coun tries which rise up before, me? X look be yond, and others rise, and yet others, far ana tanner to tne snores or tn utter most waters. They crowd! they Warm! The world I given to them, and it re sounds with the clang of their ham. mers and the ringing of their church bells. They call them many name, and they rule them this way or that, but they are all English, for I can hear the voices of the people. On I go. and on. wards over seas, where man hath never yet sailed, and I see a great land under new stars and a stranger sky, and still the land is England. Where have her children not gone? What, have they not done? Her banner Is planted on Ice. Her banner is scorched In the sun. she lies athwart the lands, and her shadow Is over the seas. Bertrand, Bertrand! we are undone, for the buds of her bud are even as our choicest flower!" Her voice rose into a wild cry, and throwing up her arms she sank buck white and nerveless Into the deep oaken chair. "It is over." said Du Guesclin mood, ily, as he raised her drooping bead with his strong brown hand. "Wine for the lady, squire! The blessed hour of sight hath passed." (TO BE CONTINUED.) Down In Mexico. Baltimore News. " 'Once a Mexican, always a Mexican', Is what they say in Arizaba," said H. W. Snyder a few days ago at the Hotel Ren nert. "Down there they don't see how a man can want to be anything else after once he has tasted the pleasures of that country. But I'm an American cltlien, always have been, always expect to be, And yet I expect they'll send my bone home from Arizaba. To the wanderer. the man without a home, it I a great country. There' money there, mild weather, pleasant people and poetry; yes, and hard work, if you want to' enjoy any of these. Everything down there is easy going, and since the Diaz Government be gan there has almost no strife among the people. Schools are growing, Industries are Increasing, shipping is on the boom, and things are generally prosperous. The elections? you say. Well, there' one of the funniest things In the land of Hex ico the annual election. Not long ago I strolled down a long se guan to a patio within the square of one of the big public houses. The patio 1 the inclosure surrounded by the four wall of the house, and It forms a sort of a court inside of the building. There at a table sat a Mexican officer sunning him self and half asleep, while before him lay a long scroll. , 'Buenos dlas, senor', I said, returning hia salute. 'What do you here at this nour ot tne day : tie looked lan. guidly at me. 'This, senor, is election day . he said. "But where are the voters? I asked, and smiling, be pointed to the scroll. 'Here they are.' As we spoke a man came up, one of a very few who had been to him that morning, I subsequently learned. -enor, ne said, i come to vote.' 'Your name?' asked the Jefe politico. 'Juarez Aconda', was the somewhat tim id reply. The officer ran his finger down the list until he reached tne last name.' 'But I do not see it here,' he said doubt fully. 'Oh!' said the non-voter a he walked away. When he had trone I In quired into the system and the man told me tnat tne state was maae out before the election. Those who were allowed to vote were registered by tbe Government. Those who were not and these Were the ones who might oppose the present Gov ernmentwere not recognised as voter. It a most convenient scheme," conclud ed Mr. Snyder smiling, "but I hardly think it would prosper In our country' Good Hearing. Kansas City Independent. "The physical examination of new po l often furnishes a lot of amuse- licemen ment," remarked Chief of Police Hayes tne otner aay wnue in a reminiscent mood. ' Catch questions don t go, of course, Dut every now ana men they are asked oy way ot a josn. i remember a young fellow ne s now a sergeant who fell into a trap tne prettiest you ever saw. The doctor had examined htm up and down and all around, and then declared that ne wouia maae a test or nis hearing. Taking a waich out of bis pocket, with a wink at trie, he asked, , 'Do you hear that tick?' , " 'Yes, perfectly, the young man ana- werea. "He held at a foot from the applicant' ear. - " "Still hear It?' he asked. . '"Ye, 'sir.' "Now; stand back three paces. ' 'The young man did so. .,' "Now,' said the examiner, " 'do' yon bear It from that dl stance r ,,;;. "The applicant listened Intently, Then he smiled and nodded. " You have the-roost wonderful hear, big I ever came aero,' said the examln. er. That watch ha not been running for three week.' " 7T Hia' Prlws. V Harper's. Weekly. ..j:.,. - , A Pittsburg widower, while away from home on a businesstrip,- met and mar. rled a lady who. though famed for her goodness of heart, would be spoken of even by her friends as "plain". The matt believed that she would be a kind mother to hi two ehHdren, however, and a she wa also possessed of a fair amount of thi world's goods, wa not -Inclined to expect the beauty of the peach in a po. tato. s. After hi marriage he telecrsDhed to the children. , "Have wort a prise. Am married. Will be home to-morrow." , When 4h bride and groom arrived the children were watching at the door, and at sight of their future mother gave a little gasp of consternation. , , . -The second child, a boy, nudged hi sister and whispered: , "Sav, Nell, that must' have - been the consoUttioa prise that pa gotr u conwhttioti brhM - " . 'A Table from llorhla. Miami (Fla,) Record. ' . 1 s "t ' , A duck who bad faithfully stuck to bu-. pee during the summer and laid everal aozen large fawn-colored egg complained , that she was not appreciated. 'See that hen fbv' fchMr?" uftlil tkt jtuelr. ah has ; not-laid so many egg as I have, nor ao . big, but She has books written about her and verse composed in her honor, while trouble with you I," said Jr. wia - buff ;' Leghorn cock; that was standing near, "that you do nolt tell the public what you,, have done. .Vou lay an egg and waddle ' . ntr bjmt iwitif larrtMSs Anvntiifti in w rtt ni borhood know It. If you want ; to cut any tea In thl community yop must learn to.dvertlse.iHii-' ,-iFttifi , v. , 0EABOAftD AIR LINE eMO A WAY-. JDlrect ltn to the prlnolpal cities North.- sski pwt"f' wvistHr, . Beast i-. ivuwmu t ii. arswi' ' ,:, taking effect January, I, IKtf, gubject ta , change without potloe, ', Tickets for passage, en alt trains are old by thl company and accepted by th passenger with the understanding wh wmimijr wui' iwi wa tcbuoiibiijivj y, tor failure to -run It trams on . schadul - time,-or lor any . such delay a, may be Incident to their operation. !,' Care is ex. erelaed to give correct time of connecting line, dui uu company ji for- errors er ommlslona. ' line, but thi company I not responsible-' Trains leave Charlotte a fonowsi- u Ja : 4A ilnllv- it fiAl a.., m fn Unnk4 Hamlet, and Wilmington -without change, connecting at Monroe with for .Atltn. , ta, Birmingham, end th Southwest, with No. J it-Monroe for local , oointa ... n Atlanta. , it Himlet with 1 tdr H leigh, Fortamouuv NorrpiK ana .temer for Washington, Baltimore. New- York. Boston, and Provldsnee; With at Hamlet for Kaieign. Kicnmona, washing ton. New York, and the BJaat. With il at . Hamlet for Columbia. Savannah,-Jack sonvllle, and all Florida, polrtfs, . , No. W. dally, at 10.10 a. m. for Lin colnton, Shelby and Kutherf ord tori with out change,, concocting at Lincolnton with C. N. W. No. 10 for Hickory, Lenoir, and 'Western North Carolina, points. , ', No. 133, dally, 7.U p. m. for Monroe, connecting with 41 for Atlanta, .Birming ham and the Southwest, at Hairnet with. 43 tor Columbia. Savannah, Jackson villa and Florida points. With 34 at Hamlet for Richmond, Washington, find New York, and the East, with tt at Hamlet for Raleigh. Portsmouth -And Norfolk. Through: sleeper ' on thl train front "Charlotte, N. C. to Portsmouth, Va. daily. , No. 8. . a. m. daily except Sunday. Local freight for Monroe. Trams arrive In Charlotte as- rollows: No. 133, 10.00 a. m. dally from point North and South. - No. 132; 7.0 p. m. daily from ' Ruther, fordton, Shelby, Lincolnton, and C. N. W. Railway point. :J.r No. 39, 10:4S p. m, dally from Wilming ton, Hamlet, and, Monroe, also front points Bast. North and Southwest soa nectlng at Hamlet and Monroe. Connections are made at Hamlet with all through trains for points - North, South, and - Soqthwest, which are com. posed of vestibule day coaches between Portsmouth and Atlanta, and Washing ton, and Jacksonville, and sleeping car between Jersey City, Birmingham and Memphis, and Jersey City and Jackson, ville. Cafe cars on all through train. For information, time-tables, reserva tions, or flea bo rd descriptive literature apply to ticket agents or address, EDWARD F. COST 2nd V., f , PORTSMOUTH, VA, i JAMES KER. JR O. P. A. i CHARLOTTE. N. C C. H. GATTIS. T7p. A, ,' RALEIGH, N. 0 CHAS. " " t TC O P, A . ' PORTSMOUTH, VA. Southern Railway In Effect February ilth. 1906. Thkt oondeaeedj lohedule is published a Information and 1 subject to change without notice to the pubic. 4 09 . m. n0, j. daily, for Richmond and local points; connects at Greensboro for Wins ton-Sal em, Raleigh, Goldsboro, Nawbern and Morehead City; at Dan-, villa for Norfolk. . 8:06 a. m. No. 17 daily, for Rock Hill. Cheater, Columbia and local station. . .-. i, 7:10 a. m. No. ). dally except Sunday, for Statesville, Taylorsrille, and local points; connect at Mooresvllle for Win." ton-Salem and at Btatesville for Hick, ory. Lenoir, Blowing Rock, Ashsvtlle, and other points West. 7:15 a, m. No. 36, dally. New York and Atlanta Express. .Pullman sleeper to Columbus, Ga., and day coaches to At. lanta. Close connection at Spartanburg for Hendersonville and Aahevllle. 8:33 a. m. No. 33, daily. New York and Florida Express, for Rock Hilt. Chest -Waynesboro, Oolumbla, Savannah, Jacksonville. Dining car service. :2S a. m. No. 88. dally. U. 8. FaatVau for .Washington and all points North. Pullman drawing rooms, sleeper to ; New York and Richmond; day coaches New Orleans to Washington, Dining car service.. Connect at Greensboro for Wlnston-Saltm, Raleigh and Goldsboro. 8:30 a. m. No. 37, dally, Washington and Southwestern . Limited. Pullman . drawing room sleepers. New York to New Orleans and Birmingham. Pullman observation car New York to Macon. Dining car service. Solid Pullman train, 10:06 a. m. No. 30, Washington and Florida Limited. Pullman drawing room sleepers to New York; first class coach - to Washington. Dining car servic. 11:00 a. m. No. 23 dauVr-for Davidson, Moorervill. Barber Junction, Ooolee. mee, Mocksvllle, Winston-Salem and ' Roanoke, Va, and local point. ' 12:36 p. m. No. II daily, for Atlanta ; and local station; connect at Spartan ' burg for Hendersonville and Aahevllle, 7:00' p. m. No. 12, daily, for Richmond and local station; connects at Green, boro for Raleigh and Goldsboro. Pull, man sleepers. Greeiurero to Raleigh, Charlotte to Norfolk, and Charlotte to Richmond. ' . x . 6:00 p. m. No,-36, dally, except Sunday, freight and passenger to Chester, S, C. and local points. ' 7:16 p. m. No. 24, daily, except Sunday,' for Taylorsvllla and local stations; eon. nects at Statesvtlle for Asheville. Knox vilie, Chattanooga and Memphis. 8:18 ,p. m. No. 38, daily. Washington and Southwestern Limited, for Wash. ' Ingtdn and all - point North. Pullman sleepers and Pullman observation oar to New York; Dining oar servic. Solid Pullman train- . . io ta n. m. No. 31 daily. New York and ijlorlda Express, for Washington and Tjiolnts North. Pullman aUtepera from jscasonvnie ana swuns io new xorx. First clsss day coach, Jacksonville to Washington. :60 p. - m. No, t. dally, Washington, and Florida Limited, for Columbia, Au. gusta, - Charleston, Savannah and Jack, on vllld. , Pullman drawing room sleep, big oar to Jacksonville. First class day coaches Washington to - Jacksonville. t 11:0s p. m. No, 40, dally for Washing. ton and points North. .Pullman l taper, to Washington. First, class day coach : Atlanta to Washington. - 10:30 p. m. No. , dally.- United SUts Fst Mall, for Atlanta and points South L. and Southwest. Pullm"" drawing-room sleepers to New Orleans and Blrmlng. ham. A coach. Washington to New , ' Orleans. Dining oar aarvlo. , - Baggac called for sad checked front hotel, nd residences by , Wadswortit " , Transfer , Company, Oft 'Orders left at." . City Ticket Offn-e. . H. R SPBNCWB, General Manager. IVHfrATtOK, Cn. Passenger Agent. t .' Wahlngtan, Xk C . . , . ' .. . , . ' '- TftrouthTraJnbaIly,CH3rlctt3 , . U Roanoke, Vt, - y 5 , Schedule In effect Deo. 1 1303. , ' UKW am Lv Charlotte, Bo, Ky Ar i.-Ot pm : 3:1$ am Ar Winston, So. Ry. Ltr a.ttpnt 2:60 torn Lv Winston, N. W. Ar t :O0 pm. ' .0pm Lr Martinsville, , Lv ll;4Bam . f :26 pm Lv Rocky Mount, Lv 10:2. ant ,' 7:aS pm Ar Roanoke, Lt 9 J0 aw Daily. , - - j Connect at Koanok via Shenandoah . Valley Route for Natural Bridge, Lursy,. 1 Hageratown, and' all points la Pennsyi. vanla and New York Pullman sleeper Roanoke and Philadelphia. ,- - Through coaoh, Charlotte and Roatioka . ' Additional information from agenta c.r Southern. Railway, M. T. BRAOG, w . , , .,' Trav. Pass. Agent J W. B,'BrvTtl'Oe,l. Pas. Agent J . - . ROANOK& YA,.i , 1 f : - - ,f M nil ll J'l 1 y r r U -i r