NY BA

horses. The statues of terrace and court gleamed ghostly white in the darkness, and the grim old keep frowned darkly upon them. The deserted aspect of the courtyard filled the girl with dismay. High purposes and noble resolv

the hawks, the 38 yelping of the dogs and the blowing of horns that was the accompaniment of a hunting-party.

ll you not?" she murmured, trying to control her em

return soon, and there is no danger. We will be w

st, and the gray uncertain light gave place to the blushing dawn. Soon the dark shadows that lurked under the trees fled before the golden beams of the sun. Suddenly the note of a lark r

sparkling, her spirits rising. "My fath

o wild and free yet sweet withal. Child, mayhap I have done ill in taking thee thus from thy mothe

y of thy confidence. And do we not go to the aid of Mary, our rightful queen? What excuse need we for so doing? Oh,

smiled at he

uence Mary Stuart wields over human hearts! God forfend that thy life should be required, Francis, though many have been lost i

y, my father, since I am your

accordance with it and none will deem thee other than thou seemest. And I-I must teach my tongue to say boy

ou knowest how used to fatigu

red to risk thee for so long a jaunt. And th

The Solent, and in the distance the Isle of Wight. B

ined greatly, for we go through Wilts, 41 Glou

tly in Hampshire and partly in Wiltshire and forming the forest boundary. Before them swelled the rounded forms of the

what is that which I see in yon distance? Me

e will stop for rest and refreshment. Yon conical mound is Old Sarum which hath been a fortress from the earliest times. The fosse and rampart belong to the Roman

n the valley at the confluence of four rivers: the upper Avon, the Wiley, the Bourne and the Nadder. In the centre of the city was a large handsome square for the mar

w rein before a small inn, The Mermaid by name. As he rode

grace my poor house, I pray you. There be one he

ht not to meet with any here. But oft must a man's pleasuring b

y too true," rep

at would speak

for placing any in the room which is reserved for your u

the matter, good Giles," returne

girl threw the garment over her arm, started to follow him, and then paused

re sport, but with the curious eyes of stranger

her father, and there was a note of warning in th

her father with all the 44 boldness which she could assume. Lord Stafford wended his way to the east parlor of

ith dinner, I pray you. We will rest for a time, and then speed onward. Anthon

an coming forward. "I had news that you were co

ton," was Stafford's rejoinder. "I h

my

ere will be leisure for converse.

n. She had heard of Anthony Babington. His 45 attachment to Mary of Scotland was well known, and his devotion invested him wit

or insurrection can occur during Elizabeth's life, for any open endeavor

h of late from illness. It was my hope that if we were successful, to place her where she migh

d in her mere release," cried Babin

!" exclaimed Lord Staffo

st queen who transcends the 46 laws of blood by keeping her own kin imprisoned as she hath d

in her treatment of her, and unjust in usurping the throne. But still she is her father's daughter, and crowned queen of England. If it be so that the releas

Ballard?" asked the

at mine own house as Ca

rt ripe for the proje

y now to acquaint Mary with the plan for her release. But I tell thee, Anthony,

are few. I beseech you, as you have given your pledge, aid us in acquainting Mary with the

ven, I will continue to Cha

Babington handed him a small missive. "It hath given her some

these others." Lord Stafford concealed it in his b

on. "Our host comes. Thy