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Though I have ever had iiii eye for beauty and the sex that it adorns, I have always kept a head as steady as my fist when it. holds n pistol or a bodkln. There is no woman born that is like to make a fool of Illt‘ by making me a. bus,- biind, and that is flat truth. Yet I will confess that once I came close to falling into that fate, by acci- dent, and by a. certain indulgence I felt toward the girl, but certainly not of affection ‘or tiny intoxicated inlly of eyes and arms and wrists 3nd such things.

It happened oii the Portsmouth road and in the tail of a wondrous spring dity. I was conic up from Petersfield, and a liue and cry _was raised in my rear by reason of rum- padding a bottle-nosed old cock that was some person of distinction in those parts, and officer of a sort. 0t his hlujesrv. I passed Rake at a sharp canter, and thought that I was rid of the traps; so, being ‘mighty thirsty, I entered the An- chor at Llphook, and drew down a deep ilrait oi wine. Then, falling into a llit-Ze muse, and exchanging words with mine host, a cheerful felloiv. I was pulled straight up by the sight of ltorscnieit at the bend of tlic street, I had, as it chanced, reckoned them too lightly; for here

' was part of ihc lmssc, as eager and

as sharp as you will, bent on lodg- ing poor Galloping Dick in the Jug.

There was nothing to spare be- tween the instant o!‘ that recogni- tion and my departure. I frankly avow that I was all but nicked on the threshold of the inn; but I was Just lirtime, and made off presently with my gclttlcmen hnrd on my heels. Now the mare, as it chanced, was blown, having ‘made a rough court-c ovcr a. rude track, and not tmlf.‘ so. but the devil's luck hat! it that she fell lame through striking of a stone soon after I had left the Anchor. S0 there was I in a sorry plight, with the traps upon me, and n0 chance of refuge that I knew of. For I had turned aside iroiii the main road, and Wfis llpun m1 111. conditioned track that. led sortie- where, as I guessed, toward Alton. And there wits small hope to turn into some safe ltoszr-li-y thong, rm- ’t\vas not a part that was familial" to ine: but I had lumen thither m the trust to throw off the dogs be- hind ine.

Conceiving me. then, with Calypso limping and spiritless for all her grcttll heart; and then in the noon's eye that gleuuictl on ine four stal- wart fellows, each with the thought to clap Dick R_\'(i(‘l‘ iii the jug. The chase ‘was hot, as you may think, and at last il. came to hie quickly that some ruse was necessary, for that I could not win out by mere twinkling legs. Just as I came to this thought I spied before Iilf’ a man ou horseback, jogging along rcuilypuibly enough. Sal's I l0 I11)’- sclf that here is the occasion and the remedy. I was along by him in two minutes and had clapped a pistol to his head. .

“Dismount. and iliscrirri, said l. “I have no rooiii or time for manners, or I ivouid engage yc in gentle par- ley. But. now in ii trice, doff your dre I"

Well, I will make no more ado about that; no more than he did when lic saw mv lace and the haik-

er, and recognizer! who‘. it signi- ﬂed.

"I will ilfilt‘ iii!‘ law‘ (n! you, RUglla-i" he said, s‘

'|lplii!_i_

"A! the law you T,‘ ."'.llfi I, prodding him with ma" iron to quicken him.

"I would know lxii l1§_'»t.ll sun'- where." laid he, rind suddenly stop- ped iii his tindressing and stared ‘ agape at ml.

I prodded lilm again, being anx-

ious lest the traps should emerge from the dusk, and he ﬁnished his job.

‘To our nrerry meeting!" says 1 when I was inside his finer-y, which was pretty enough for a gentleman of fortune, and I laughed as I rode off on his horse, with poor Calyp- so at my side mightily relieved to be rid of my incubus. But the cully sat on the wayside with a leg in my breeches and perplexlty 0n his face.

Yet, after all, my trick was not destined to help nie out as I had hoped; though if I had had the heart to abandon the mare it would have done so. But she followed, wliiiingving in ii way that challenged me to the midrlft, and, though I was on a beast in good wind, I set my pace according to her. And so it fell that a mile further the posse was UpOn me with a rush. I had just time to get sense of this onset and turn off into a. lone on the left, escaping by the skin of my teeth. as you might say.

But as the night was full of light 1 was not to slip off that way, and indeed their beasts were vastly bet- ter in wind than mine, and I was like to be nicked in that bylane, like any common cutpurse or foolpad. The moon shone on the whiteness of a house nearby, that was incloscd in a park, and at that, being pressed so devilish hard, I suddenly checked the horse, swung to the ground ere he stopped, and with a whitel to Culpso was through an open gate- way iii a twinkling. The mare fol- lowed; but t'other horse went gal- loping with his empty saddle along the lane. I sent Calypso adrift with

a wiord among the shriibberles of -

the. park, and myself raring lightly, made for the house. But the traps were none so foolish as I thought. There was wit in one‘ of them, any- way. For, looking back, 1 perceived a horseman ride through the same gateway into the meadow, and I knew he was still hot upon my scent.

I crossed a lawn, made by some flowierbeds, and found myself against the house itself, with lights shining in many windows. It was a pleasant night in spring, and along lattice was upeii to the fresh breeze and the fragrance oi the garden, I stood for a moment medi- tating; for I will confess that I wias in close straits, and there was need of some desperate cure for my ha- zard. Behind me I heard sounds, and guessed that the man with the wit had rallied his posse, and that the hunt was drawn close upon me. There wias no time to be lost; so I pushed aside the lattice and stepped over thc window sill, pitlling as I did so the Jalousies more securely over it‘. Then I turned, and there was a woman facing me.

Jack, Jack!" she cried out as ill‘

excitement. "You lmvc coinn in time, then. ‘Thank God ior that!"

The room was lit but dimly, and I was not able to make out her face in particulars. Nor was she mine, as this outbreak witnessed; but she discovered her error soon enough, and fell back a step.

“Who are you?" some fear.

“One that means no ill,"

she asked in

said I

quickly; for I knew how time press- .

ed, "and one," says I, “that is iii need of help." Her eyes commanded me; for she seemed to have lost her fear 0f l; sudden. I observed her, how bright and hard her face, young too, and handsome, but of a mighty coldness. She surveyed me in a. swift and reckoning manner, frowned a little and seemed to draw in a deep gulp of breath. “You are flying from justice!" says she. Now here was a sharp enough

Christmas carols are songs of joy or praisi- which iire sling only during the festive season, ltiiiay parts of England are celebrated for their ancient carols, and especlaly is this so in Cornwall.

English people have sung carols at Christmas for over one thousand years: and On Christmas Day In the ltiorning. The cherry Tree Carol, ant! others iirc tn b: found in nearly all European lnnjtizagm.

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men mar l8 Ierveu opt -_q_---,r,a

B Y PR OXY Episode in the Life ofRiclta

guess and there was that in the in- tonation of her words that irked me; for‘ it was as if she had more to follow. .

"Maybe from injustice” said I in- differently.

She turned her head and listen- ed; ior thvrt- was a noise and knocking in ilit- tiistancc. "There is 5911190110 conic ior you" slic said.

“Ma_vbc," said I. "Y°1ll'1-13131)’bl11l1 knows who thi-rc l)!‘ who come for ine and knock?"

"It intuit-rs not.“ she said. “b!!! ‘vhomm. you be, and ior what you are, W“ 1m‘ (‘omnid- “liltli fllllhlltll“ at Sir 11'1"‘ ' ' ‘ door." _

1 jgjptllfd my hodkln, and (Uuii the belt oi my pistol into one palm.

"\Vou!il those avail you?’ 511° asked almost us. if ‘in contempt. “r1103. “m (p, well in ihcsc hands as iiforitiiuu." I answtrud.‘

1t was a wonder to me all this time that she hail not suunili-il an alarm. Slit‘ puzzled me, and shc b’:- wlltiereil me; bill. Yllllllw! 1 C9111“ not but i\(ill‘iil‘t~ her #1111‘!!-

Si)!‘ tu-uk ti. step to ine. "14001! X011- slr!“ she said. "l‘lie officers of the law are now (loublle *1 “T111111 1111‘- ilOlbii‘. Their iiulitls are all but upon 5.0,, v 3Q“. i, trialling can save you. iiotiiing," says slit». "but one thing. Conic, I will make a bargain with you, and save that iiaulrlllY 119cm" she laughed riiihci- harshly to my ~ “If you will do what I bid, you ie."

Egitd!" said I, " ‘tis o. long story. hfadani, with the trafl5 +1‘- l111‘ d°°1'-"

“They are adinitt-rtl." listening. "Ciivc me your pistol. (lonic, I jilviltu- you. You shall be

tree. of l-llPlll ii 5.0 h" 3'01! 11111 P13)’ a part. tonight."

"I will play the ivlloln of Mi‘. Sh;ikc.-pc.'ii'c'.~. svcnesw“ said 1, "if

you will but give nie the cur."

She lll0l‘(’fi still nearer. "You shall for the space of three hours from now be one John Curwen," she said, speaking very slowly and very clear- l_\'.

I doifed my hat. "aiailziin, here is John Curweu, alias Ja ' you will, at your good service, and a Jack that could d9 with a full glass of red wine after long service ahorse."

“Tlmt. is well,‘ she said. "You shall be refreshed, Whats o'clock? Ali!” she breathed a sigh. “Come with me, Jack Curwen," she said "Sir Edward _('.‘1l)L‘ClS you," and she flung open the door beyond,

Noxv tins. lc: u liUJti o!‘ light upon the scene: tor hercy was an old gentlvinan, very lrinipous and cere- monious, as I could s--e at a glance, together with three of ihc traps ad- vancing: lowartl thi- open door.

“Ly'<llt:," says the uld cock very pettishly, “is it you? Hero is some llUiSOlllIt‘ of ihc law that I am pest- ered with. It is (‘ir‘(‘iill‘(2(i lliiit high-

waymaii ilﬁlil t l. in rctiige in ihc house. ‘Sbody! lit; i! taint upon tlii: ltouse. What is this‘? What is tins? Discharge ‘em, my dear. Dye hear?" And than he seemed to perceive me; for I had 5001i that thi- old fcl- low was purbliui! of sight. "Who the devil-J’ says he, and stopped puz- zled. '

Now, no sooner il'l(i they clapped eyes on nit: than ill! re was" a stir among ihc traps, and lho (jhlﬂf of thcni inadt: ti movement.

"This is our man, Sir," said he, pointing at me. “Dick Ryder, know-n 11$ Gflllﬂllilli: Dick, and as great a tobymzin as on all the King's roads."

T111! Girl that was next ine and had been addressed as Lydia here gave it start, and then began to laugh. She pu‘. it soft and very de- termined arm nuclei" iniue, where I was feeling of iny bodkiii.

“This is a jest for Twelfth Night." says she. "Uncle, who is this that is arrived but now in pursuance of your orders? Guess you," she says, "or shall I put my hands across your eyes, dear heart?"

At that the old man stared, and suddenly put out u hand. "God bless inc! Jack, I did not know you at ﬁrst,“ said he. “Whats o'clock?" and he fumbled with his watch. “Gad! you're in the nick of time. Give me your hand, Boy. I would ha. kept my oath, by my faith and salvation, that. I would!" he said, and shook me tirartlly by the hand.

Now it. was plain that this con- duct mightily (listurbcd the officers, who stood by in indecision and in perplcxltyz Al. that‘ I snatched at thp 191115 l0!‘ l11.\‘s'.~li! for ii. scented ihc old mini had forgot his visitors.

-"And U195.‘ izeittlemcn, Sir," said I. lmllﬂlliﬁl! them with an inter- rogation in my ﬁnger. lic. "Wt-ll, you're mis-

house. It would bi- strange indeed if Curwen flail .. l..l sanctuary for

.--~..»~-..~_-. V "wa-

she said, -

any rascal. He la probnblyﬁgone on

"his way, and I recommen‘ you to

lose no more time in pursuit." The chief of the traps was evi- dgutly dtseomfited, and was black of brow. Yet what was he to do? He stared mo in the face; but I hﬂd never clapped eye on him before. and it was plain, though he thought he was sure of me, that he W85 taken aback. As for Sir Edward, he tool»: no more heed, being taken up

' with his mighty pleasant fancy for

me. Lord love me! he would be talking like a garrulous old pratlng hen. ‘Twas Jack this and Jack that, and the very devil of remembrances that I did not remember; until at. last when we were comlnk l0 11 grand chamber with very 51811 01 luxury about it he said:

"well, my dear nephew, and now [or the wedding!"

"Wedding!" says I in a ivonder.

lie dug his ﬁngers into my ribs. "A_v, ivedding," says he. "Your wed ding," says he,. and laughed like a jackrinapes.

At that I started, and half rose in my chair; biit_ the girl opposite rais- ed her ﬁngers in a warning.

-"Uncle, there is something Jack and I would say together, by your leave." '

“Ay, by your leave, Sir," says I heartily, being glad of the oppor- tunity to rede this riddle. ‘

At which with a wink, and a Jest the old forked parsnip toddled from the room, saying that he would go see that the chaplain was prepared. When he was gone your madam turned to me.

"You have sworn," she said, “to be John Curwen this night for three hours." <

I rubbed my nose. "Egaidl" said I, "I begin ti; have misgivings."

"Sir," says she in a blaze, "look on me. Have I not beauty?"

"B ythe Lord and the altar, yes!" said I, humorlng her; for she was not to my taste, though o! an undoubted handsomeness. "You're ravishing, rip me! in that gown, and—"

She smiled, and put up a hand. "'Tis necessary you should know something; for you are sworn to me for three hours," she says. "I am ward to Sir Edward, having some little property, and this Jack that. is you is his nephew. ‘This two years since he was here, and his uncle and he parted in a quarrel. ‘Twas over me," I-Ier face hardened. “Sir Edward was bent upon a match and his nephew denied him. There wiaslsome wenichw—"

"Sdeath!" said I. "I-Ie had in- famous bad taste."

she bit her lip, " ‘Twas of no mat- ter to ine; but my guardians wishes deserved respect. It came to a rup- ture. I was indifferent, but would do as Sir Edward wished. At last it broke out ,—he must either marry or lose his fortune and come to a bar- ren title. He had two years in which Lo think it. over, and tho two ended tonight at eight of the clock.”

I wihlstled. “Why," said I, "than I am to play Jack's part for Jack, am I, and save the comedy?"

She looked at me through lowered eyelids, "You have guessed very well, Sir," she said.

I sat still with my hands in my pockets for a moment, thinking. 1 was come to a pretty pass, as you may believe; for I saw what this minx designed, and I cannot deny that I admired her for it. She would take the game in her hands, and make a gross bid for victory. More- over, it was plain she desired to be my lady. 811d to own wide acres and gold gitineas. When I looked up she was regarding inc closely.

"I am sworn to you," said I, leaching. ‘:'I am your man, and, rip me! I'll be a better man than Master Jack and his doldrums."

"Yes." she said, and then quick- ly again, "Yes, I will trust you, You 8111111 80 throuslt with it. You dare not refuse!" and she gazed at me ﬁercely,

"I will go through all that is in- volved behind those tfine eyes," said I. "I will go through all as a knife through butter-rip me if I prove false!"

Before she could answer to that;

there was the voice of the old pronged parsnip at the door, P1'°' claiming that all was ready, and the chaplain come, and says he:

"The feast is spread, i’ faith, Jack and ye shall eat and drink to vim- self and your bride, egad!"

I would ha drunk and eaten to anything Just then, being 511MB 59'- iroxn my long ride, and 1 should have liked the wedding supper best this side of the ceremony rather than Uother. But that, as Y0“ 80c. was impossible. So I kissed hands to the bride that was Lydia, and accepted a draft of wine from mine uncle that was Sir Edward, and followed of him, laughing at my strange case, but resolved to keep all eyes wide. .

I had been in odd places before. and doubted not. that I should be again; but this one, I confess, tick- led me vastly. To think that; here was Dick Ryder to walk wider the

yoke with a lady of high degree, I

and an hlress to boot, and none the wiser of it save us two alone! Here ,was a Jest between us, I thought, and how we shall laugh at old

hunks, my uncle, when ’tis all oven

And at that I fell thinking in a wonder how far this business would go by my leave or without it. If I were married to the girl, there was no question but, I could claim her property willy hilly, and she was bound to silence by her conspiracy. Yet what of tlother, the real man, Jack? There was the knot; and rid- dle of the case. Well, the present time served me best, and so I dis- missed all further questionlngs, and threw myself into the diversion pleasantly enough.

Lord save you! when I look back upon that. scene it tickles me even now. Mistress Lydia was as serious as a. person, and the person as ser- ious as himself; Sir Edward was Jovial and exclaimed on any pre- tense, as if this were a play, and he were part of it; and the rest. of the company, being servitors and de- pendents of thehouse, was divided between giggles and gaping.

But when ’twas over, and I had took my buss of the girl, there was something that went forthright to my glzzard. Was I in faith married? By then, with the parsoifs solemn face and. the whole staring anxious- ly at ma’, I began to get misgivings, and think I, "What the devil if ye be surely wed?"

At that I had a. revulsion, and, buss or not, I glared, from Miss tress Lydia t9 the parson, and from

him to Sir Edward, cursing them.

all in my heart for a pack of silly dolts. But. what fetched me was a look in the girl's face, I cannot say what it was, bu! there was that lu it to give me pause. I am afraid of no woman, and under servitude to none; but there was In her eyes something between appeal and shame and anger-oh, I care not, what!

But what matters is that. I spoke no word as I had intended, but; de- parted with my bride (look you)! and amid the cheers of the company emerged from the chapel and took my way with her into the rooms of the wing that. (says she) 115d been assigned us. We were thus alone for some minutes, and their the wedding feast was to take place. to the which my hunger hat! 11y now whet my appetite. Mistress Lydia, when we were by ourselves, sat down and regarded me with new attention, and something fresh and strange in her gaze which 1 could not determine. She had shown no 51811 0! Perturbation hitherto, but; had been cool as a. day of frost; but now there was crept into her loolu something different.

"It is a. strange thought that we are wed," said I, breaking the all. enee.

511° 515F186. and got from her chair. "You are only proxy," she said sharply, “proxy by convc,“ fence."

"W911." 881d I. Prepared to carry the Joke through to ",5 end’ “but what if Master Jack made no 8p- pearance?" /

"Y1" 1711111 I0 lWlY. We are wed, 1-‘! Y°" "Y. and you shall leave this 1118M!" I-Ier voice came to mo muf. fled. and she looked elsewhere than at me. d“What if I should not go?" I ask. c .

She turned suddenly, hei- eyes immllll- °1111118ed in a twinkling breom that cold statue that slie had

en all along. "You shall g0 oi- Wrllhl" she said.

‘Come. madam!" slid f, admiring t0 ace her thus transformed, and as handsome again. "You do trot; "l" °1‘ P")! my predicament. Here am I wed and not. wed. Here am I turned loose for a mockery, and

' this precious inheritance.

rd Ryder: Otherwise Galloping Dick of the Road

By H. B. MARRIOTT WATSON

used and trampled upon to feed a

ﬁne lady with gewgaws and Jewels

and silks and broad acres. Think upon my bad case." ,

"I have saved you from the ‘law. which I doubt not you have out- raged," she said in a quieter voice. "You should thank Heavemfor that. We can cry quits. 'Tis in the bar- gain."

and hearts in a rough bargain?" I asked. “Lord! ls there no pity to bc wrung from your steel heart when one ‘that is your husband and craves you is despatehed out of doors, ex!!- ed, alone, expatriated from his own affections?" I said.

Slie- was silent for a moment, and

~then looked me steadily in the face.

“I know not who you are, nor what your account is in life," she said. “We are Just two mortals met that have chaneed- l0 serve each other and be served in turn. I have known many men, and I kiioiv how men cheat." She threw out a hand about the rich room. "This-this abides- these things remain and endure; but riot man's honor or virtue or love."

Here, in good sooth, was a serious vein that I had not looked for, and as clear as lightning ltwas flashed upon me that she married for wihat the mating would bring her in things of the world and not at all for love.

“Well," said 1, .Wliil a sight, "1 will keep my pact. You shall get rid of me when you will, Mistress."

At that she looked at me more kindly, and came closer to me, so that she rested a. delicate hand on my arm, “I have trusted you, and will trust," she said earnestly, “and, whatever offense you gtand charged with, I am assured that you arc H better man than most-better," she says bitterly, ‘than he you stand for."

That was handsome enough and good hearing, and it incited any reductance in me to let her go, and. along with her, if you will consider Not but what; awkward turns might ‘have disturbed me had I chosen to take myplnee as bridegroom; but I shlrk no difficulties in life, and have ever

found myself equal to them. But the -

lady should have her way, and that

, so soon as I had eaten supper, for,

the which my stomach ivas crying piteously, So I bowed and left her, resolved that in any case I would drink a pint of wine against my drought, even if it were with the butler. _

I came upon a lackcy presently. and made my dcmand.- lie was mighty civil and humble to so cliicf a person as myself, and fetched inc

abottle, tho which I cracked with satisfaction. Then after it. little I made my way back, having a glimpse into the supper room on my way where the feast. was spread. Lord! thinks I, how I W11! Fﬂvlﬁll that mighty pleasant board, Wllcll 1t comes to it! I

I opened the door of the bridal chamber, so to say, and it opened without noise. There was ii good light oi’ candles in seonces in this aiilechamber to the nuptial rooms, and no sooner was I entered than voices reached me, and iherctipoii 1 had sight of the speakers clearly‘. One was Mistress Lydia, and i'otli- nr a man of about my own height. and stature that wins talking with violence and anger as it seemed to

“And you would weigh poor souls

r

me. Who the devil "was this inter- fering with my bride. I went for- ward sharply.

"By your leave,’ said I, "what do you in this member?" .

IIe turned swiftly and confronted me that he was in my clothes, and me, and o! a sudden if: came upon

at that a-reoollection of him and,

who he must be struck ine; but ere I could say _more he broke out on his part.

"The devil take me!" he cried. " 'Tis the hlghwayman that stole my horse and stripped me!"

Out of the tail of my eye I could perceive Mistress Lydia stir and move a. step; but I was looking at the man, who seemed, now that I saw him more clearly to bear a faint resemblance to me. And then it flashed Incontinently upon me what this all signiﬁed. Herc was the real Jack himself arrlved,_hc that I had so unceremoniously tipped off his clothes!

"Sir," said I, eyeing him fiercely, “I perceive your impudcnce to be

equal to your vlllalny. But I am '

thankful to say that His Majesty's officers of the law are hereabouts and prepared for you. I recognize you now. You are one Ryder, a no- torious ‘highwayman, for whom a hue and cry is out on the Ports- mouth Road." And then I turned to Mistress Lydia. "My dear," said I, “this is no place for you at such a time, and with so infamous a ras- cal. will you do me the favor to summon the steward and see that 1101106 1S Elven to the officers?“

At that he opened his mouth. “Sblood! Lydia!" he cried. "What lsall this? A m I on my heels or head? This rogue—--"

"My man," I said, interrupting, "you shall be head over heels in an instant if you dare insult this lady again. My dear?" said I, as ii in appeal to her.

Now, I will not deny, as those that. know my mind and temper will understand, that I was enjoying this pretty little play, and the more particularly that I saw a smile rise behind the mask of Mistress Lydiifs face.

"Lydia, why stand you dumb?" demanded the man. "You know that this hocus pocus is mere lnsolent acting. Who is this man, and what does he here?" '

It was then that I could have tak- en her to me, and clasped her girdle for the ﬁrst time that evening; for, Says she solemnly, “I do not know by what right you address me, sir, nor who you be. This is my hus- band, John Curwen, nephew and l-ieir to Sir Edward Curwen, my husband that, I have wed this night. Go, get you gone, as hc counsels, and ere the officers are called down on you!"

There was never a cully so dis- coinfited ,li you will believe me, nor one more chagrinctl. I-Ici gapcd and gasped, and then says he, "This l5 some gross Jest, Lydia!"

"If you are in any doubt," says $110. "you will ﬁnd the registration of this marriage but newly set in the chaplaiifs book."

"Egad!" says he helplwsly. "I am mad! But there are some herrrthiit wi! identify rnc," ltesaid. “There is my uncle."

"My uncle," said I, “has already given mo his blessing Wflil his ward."

(Continued on Page 5)

Santa comes a- atealiny. _ Arms piled hi9"

with toys, . Gently ﬁlls c6011

stocking _

With gifts for all‘!!! and boys:

Hark, the bells are rinalnﬂ;

Santa's w o r k in done-

"Merry Chriatmdl. children,

God b l c s s I10"- every one."

I slsnmssslseaemssae

l!

If 1J1!

‘r