Part 3 (2/2)

There was a roar of voices as Favershaht” was for some minutes the only toast

Meanwhile half a dozendrunk the a pale-faced lad, sombrely attired, who seemed sadly out of place in that wild company--indeed, he had been better advised to have avoided it

The n Tyler's, of Massey's dragoons, with a playful allusion to a letter in a feminine hand which Kenneth had let fall, and which Tyler had restored to him

Quip had followed quip until in their jests they transcended all bounds

Livid with passion and unable to endureup

”da his clenched hand down upon the table

”One more of your foul jests and he that utters it shall answer to me!”

The suddenness of his action and the fierceness of his tone and gesture--a fierceness so grotesquely ill-attuned to his slender frame and clerkly attire left the cohty burst of laughter greeted him, above which sounded the shrill voice of Tyler, who held his sides, and dohose cri

”Oh, fie, fie, good Master Stewart!” he gasped ”What think you would the reverend elders say to this bellicose attitude and this profane tongue of yours?”

”And what think you would the King say to this drunken poltroonery of yours?” was the hot unguarded answer ”Poltroonery, I say,” he repeated, ehter died down as Kenneth's insult penetrated their befuddled minds An instant's lull there was, like the lull in nature that precedes a clap of thunder Then, as with one accord, a dozen of the they did, perhaps; but then they had drunk deep, and Kenneth Stewart counted no friend a, on the floor; his doublet was torn rudely open, and from his breast Tyler plucked the letter whose existence had led to this shameless scene

But ere he could soharsh and i, they turned to confront a tall, gaunt oose-quill, who caht,” cried one, and the shout of ”A rouse for the hero of Red Hill!” was taken up on every hand For despite his sour visage and ungracious ways there was not a roysterer in the Royal army to whom he was not dear

But as he now advanced, the coldness of his bearing and the forbidding set of his face froze them into silence

”Give me that letter,” he demanded sternly of Tyler

Taken aback, Tyler hesitated for a second, whilst Crispin waited with hand outstretched Vainly did he look round for sign or word of help or counsel None was afforded hi back in silence

Seeing hi to try conclusions with Galliard, Tyler with an ill grace surrendered the paper; and, with a pleasant bow and a word of thanks, delivered with never so slight a saturnine smile, Crispin turned on his heel and left the tavern as abruptly as he had entered it

The din it was that had attracted him as he passed by on his way to the Episcopal Palace where a part of his couard duty Thither he now pursued his way, bearing with him the letter which so opportunely he had becoht upon Kenneth's relations with the Ashburns

But as he reached the palace there was a quick step behind him, and a hand fell upon his arm He turned

”Ah, 'tis you, Kenneth,” he muttered, and would have passed on, but the boy's hand took him by the sleeve

”Sir Crispin,” said he, ”I ca to deserve your thanks Give you good evening” And he ain Kenneth detained him