Petersburg High School - Missile Yearbook (Petersburg, VA)

Page 16 text:

12 THE MISSILE. “How now, art back again SO soon? In truth thou’rt a trusty messenger, I am well pleased with thee.” The child flushed happily, and together they oiled the bolts and opened the door. They stepped into a room bare with the exception of a cleverly executed portrait at the far end of the room. “ ’Twere well had we brought a candle, but nay, I have not time to wait for one. Come over by the casement. See’st thou this portrait ? Who thinkest thou ’tis likened to ?” ‘“Tis that of the Lady Marjorie, is’t not, my lord?” “Nay, ’tis her grandam. But in truth ’tis like her. Press the nose and thou’lt see a wond(;r come to pass.” A rare smile lit the boy ' s face as he obeyed. The pict- ure slid back, and a beautifully carved door opened, let- ting in a flood of the late afternoon sun. Kenneth rub- bed his eyes in amazement and at a word from the Duke ascended the steps disclosed. At the top was a small porch with crumbling marble steps leading down to a hedged path, “This path leads through the woods. Come, we will go part of the way.” They went to the edge of the for est, and the Duke gave the necessary directions to the boy. Then they returned to the castle, and the Duke presented Kenneth with a sword of his choice. The next day the Duke started on his journey. The days that followed were full of pleasure to Kenneth and his six-year-old charge. They roamed at will through the rooms and picture galleries, gardens and parks. For two weeks all went well; then one dark evening the little girl became weary and went to sleep in her father’s great chair, her dark locks hung over the red

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' THE MISSILE. 11 ney to my sister who lieth ill of the fever. I leave the Lady Marjorie to thy care. Thou’rt a good lad and a brave, and though thou art small methinks I can trust thee. I leave with thee also Geoffry and Old Gasper and Lady Marjorie’s old nurse, Nan. Come, I will show thee a way of escape in case some band of marauders chance this way. In the troubleous times ’tis wise to keep thy eyes and ears open, lad. Come and mind that thou say- est naught of this to anyone save me and the Lady Mar- jorie, if need be.” The little page sprang from the chair and followed his master. They went through richly fur- nished rooms and long dark corridors that Kenneth had never seen before. At length they came to a door barred and locked more securely than the rest. The Duke strove in vain to loose them and said, “ ’Tis long since these bolts have been disturbed. Couldst find thy way back again thinkest thou ? I would have thee bring me oil. These bolts are too much for me.” ‘ Yes, my lord,” ‘Twere well an’ I went alone. Then will it be easier should I be compelled to return in haste with her lady-ship.” “Well said, lad. Haste thee whilst I abide here.” The child turned away and was quickly lost in darkness. “One would think he were ninety instead of nine with his grave face and thoughtful mien,” murmured the Duke. “I do well to leave Marjorie to his care, for though he is himself scarce more than a babe, I feel I may trust him. I will go to the armory and choose a sword, nay, I will let him choose it for himself. Perchance ’twill call forth one of those rare, sweet smiles.” The Duke fell into a a reverie, which was soon broken by the sound of foot- steps.

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THE MISSILE. 13 cushions, her red lips slightly open and long lashes sweep- ing her rose tinted cheeks. Kenneth standing by the casement, gazing admiringly at her, heard the faint gal- loping of a horse. He turned around and looked out the window. There stood Jeoffry and Old Gasper talk- ing to a stranger on horseback The room was too high for Kenneth to hear what they said; so he shut the win- dow, threw a scarf over the sleeping child, and ran hur- riedly down the dark, wide staircase. Turning to the left, he pushed open a door, and ran down a short hall. At the end was another door which he opened, and slip- ping through this, found himself in a hedged walk near that in which the three men were. Instinct told the child not to warn them of his presence, as he stepped out and made his way cautiously over the grass. He had scarcely gained the cover of the shrubbery when another man rode into view. Kenneth could now hear and s ee plainly; and what he heard drove all the usual color out of his face. “The Duke is gone these two weeks and will not re- turn for two more, I wot. He left her ladyship in charge of little Lord Kenneth, the page, and left with us old Nan, to keep them. There lieth the lady’s sleeping chamber. To-night will I and thou, Jeoffry, feign sleep and thou mayest take her with thee. The Duke little thought to lose his child by my hand, but I have not forgot the beat- ing I received for killing his hunting hound.” Then all the receding blood rushed angrily back to Kenneth’s face. His one desire was to run Old Gasper through the body with his sword. He knew how angry and hurt the Duke would be; he who had trusted them with the thing he held most dear to be so basefully de-