Motion Picture Story Magazine (Aug 1912-Jan 1913)

TEE SHAUGHRAUN 45 "Look! The face — there at the window — the same I saw when I was in the dock! It was the police spy, Harvey Duff!" But the others had seen nothing, and attributed the vision to his weakness and hunger. Only Conn slipped out, and found his faithful dog, Tatters, with a mouthful of cloth torn from a man's clothing. So while the joyful party within gathered about the table, and, with tender solicitude, placed food and drink before the exile, Conn remained on watch. All at once their fancied security within the cottage was shattered as Conn leaped thru the window, crying : ' ' Sir — quick — away with yez ! The redcoats are on us ! " "Oh, Robert, fly!" cried Arte, as they all sprang to their feet in a panic. "This way — by the kitchen, thru the garden," suggested Moya. 1 ' No, ' ' interposed Conn. ' ' The back dure is watched. Is it locked?" "Fast," answered Moya. 1 ' Give me your coat and hat, ' ' said Conn. "I '11 make a dash out. They'll give me chase, thinkin' it is yerself ; an ' then ye kin slip off unbeknownst. ' ' "It is too late! "came from Father Dolan, with a groan. ' ' Bide yerself in the ould clock-case in the kitchen. There's jist enough room in it," urged Moya. "Quick, Robert! Quick!" cried Arte, as she and Claire hurried Robert into the kitchen. A knock was heard upon the outer door. Conn picked up a chair. "Put that down, and open the door," commanded Father Dolan. Quietly, Claire and Arte re-entered the room, and met the soldiers with scornful eyes. The officer, Captain Molineux, reddened at the encounter. He had no taste for this business, anyway, and certain circumstances added to his distress. A few days before he had called at the cottage at Shuil-abeg, the home of Claire and Arte, to ask permission to hunt over the estate. There he had first mistaken Claire for a dairymaid, and he felt that that blunder would score against him in her esteem. And he was very anxious to win her esteem — and more; for the tantalizing beauty and wit of the Irish girl had made all other phases of existence appear colorless and undesirable. And now his duty was thrusting him into her presence under the worst possible conditions. No wonder that, when his proffered apology brought seething retorts from Claire and Arte, he replied fervently : i l Believe me, I would exchange places with the man I seek, if I could." To Father Dolan he said : "I shall be obliged, sir, to visit every room — sound every piece of furniture. The indignity of the proceeding is more offensive to my feelings than it can be to yours. I will accept your simple assurance that the person we are in search of is not in your house. Give me that, and I will withdraw my men. ' ' He was rewarded by a brilliant smile from Claire and a soft "Thank you," as she offered him her hand. Arte leaned toward Father Dolan. "Save him! Oh, save him!" she whispered, passionately. Father Dolan stood rigid, wrestling with his temptation. "I await your reply," Captain Molineux reminded him. "The lad," began Father Dolan, "the person you seek — my poor boy! He has been here, but " "He is gone?" suggested the captain, relieved. "Yes — yes ! ' ' declared Arte. "Yes, sir," put in Conn. "He went awav before he came here at all." Again Captain Molineux turned to Father Dolan. "Have I your word, as a priest, sir, that Robert Ffolliott is not under this roof ! ' ' "No, sir!" cried a new voice. ' ' Robert Ffolliott is here ! ' ' And the young man himself faced the officer. "I am sorry," said the latter, throwing a regretful glance at Claire and Arte, who were sobbing in each other's arms. "What have I done? What have I done?" murmured Father Dolan sorrowfully, sinking into a chair.